New York and London, May 24, 2022 ... ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) and the Board of Deputies of British Jews today announced their partnership on DASH – a digital education program to teach secondary school students about the Jewish people, antisemitism, and how to be an ally against antisemitism.
DASH (Digital Antisemitism for High Schools) aims to equip students with basic facts about Jews and antisemitism to prevent stereotypes from social media from filling that knowledge gap.
DASH will be developed jointly by the partners with insights gained from ADL’s experience with digital education about antisemitism in the United States and the Board of Deputies’ experience in education and fighting antisemitism in the United Kingdom. The program is expected to be rolled out in the 2022-23 school year.
ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said: “ADL routinely hears from Jewish communities around the world that one of their top concerns is the lack of knowledge about Jews among the general public. We’re thrilled to begin this work with the Board of Deputies – a long-time partner with highly qualified professional staff. We’re confident that DASH’s relatable stories will lead students to build knowledge, empathy, perspective and allyship.”
Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl said: “This is an exciting initiative which will enable the Board of Deputies to educate secondary school students about the unique and mutating aspects of antisemitism as well as giving them a grounding in what it means to be Jewish in Britain today. We are very happy to be doing such important work with the ADL – a world leader in the fight against antisemitism, hate, and extremism.”
In October at the Malmo International Forum on Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Antisemitism, ADL pledged to work with Jewish communities on digital education, to adapt content for each Jewish community to reflect their history and the antisemitism challenges they face.
ADL has educated more than 10 million high school students in America, both directly and through teachers, on Jews, antisemitism and the Holocaust.
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism, and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all. More at www.adl.org.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews is the democratically elected, cross-communal, representative body for the Jewish community. Founded in 1760, it comprises over 300 deputies directly elected by the synagogues and communal organizations they represent, from congregations and youth movements, and social welfare charities to regional councils. The Board of Deputies is the first port of call for the Government, the media and others seeking to understand Jewish community interests and concerns. Find out more at: www.bod.org.uk