New partnership aims to support and educate campus communities about antisemitism, its consequences, and ways to counteract it
New York, NY, March 6, 2024 … Chabad on Campus International (COCI) and ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) today announced a new joint initiative to combat antisemitism on college campuses across the United States.
Through the initiative, ADL will provide COCI campus directors and students resources, educational workshops and training to bolster efforts to raise awareness about antisemitism and create a safer environment on campus for Jewish students. ADL and COCI will also launch a reporting tool to enable campus Jewish communities to easily report incidents of antisemitism. ADL will be joining COCI’s Antisemitism Campus Taskforce (ACT), through which ADL will support COCI in all aspects of their campus strategy as it relates to guaranteeing student safety, responding to incidents of antisemitism and ensuring that Jewish life flourishes at every college and university in the U.S.
“At a time when antisemitism is an urgent concern, this collaboration with Chabad on Campus International is a vital step in our ongoing efforts to protect Jewish students on campus,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “We are honored to work alongside Chabad in promoting a safe environment so that Jewish students and all students can learn and grow without fear of discrimination.”
In addition to supporting educational programs and incident reporting tools, ADL will provide support and guidance to Chabad directors nationwide, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to address antisemitism effectively and foster inclusive environments.
“This joint initiative with ADL represents a significant step forward in our efforts to boost a safe Jewish life and combat antisemitism on college campuses, and we are proud to join forces with ADL in the fight against hatred, discrimination and prejudice,” said Rabbi Avi Weinstein, President and COO of Chabad on Campus International. “Together, we will make a difference in the lives of Jewish students and in the broader campus community.”
ADL and COCI plan to launch a national campaign during the Fall of 2024, through which they will promote Jewish pride and unity showcasing different aspects of Jewish life and identity.
The new initiatives comes as antisemitic incidents have reached historic levels. In January, ADL released preliminary data finding a total of 3,291 incidents between Oct. 7 and Jan. 7, a 361-percent increase over the year prior, putting 2023 on track to be the worst year since ADL started tracking this data in the late 1970s. On college and university campuses, ADL has recorded a total of 746 antisemitic incidents since Oct. 7 through Feb. 20, compared to just 87 incidents during the same time frame a year ago.
About ADL
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.
About Chabad on Campus International
Chabad on Campus International is a leading convener of Jewish Life on campus with a singular goal: to reach every Jewish student. Established in 1969 at UCLA, Chabad on Campus is the largest global network of professional Jewish educators on the college campus. Chabad on Campus engages 150,000 Jewish Students annually at 892 Campuses Worldwide through the dedicated work of 793 Chabad House Directors and Educators. Our mission is to "Support the vibrancy and growth of Jewish student life on college campus." More at www.chabadoncampus.org.