New partnership aims to support Jewish high school students through expanded resources, antisemitic incident reporting and staff training to combat Jewish hate.
New York, NY, February 21 2024 …NCSY and ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) today announced a new partnership to combat antisemitism, providing resources for students and staff in high schools. This partnership comes as antisemitic incidents are skyrocketing. ADL recently released preliminary data finding a total of 3,291 incidents between Oct. 7 and Jan. 7, a 361- percent increase over the same period a year prior. This includes 256 antisemitic incidents reported in K-12 schools, a 54 precent increase of the same period the prior year.
“Jewish teens are facing antisemitic bullying, threats and intimidation in schools like never before and they need our encouragement and support in facing down these threats,” said Micah Greenland, NCSY International Director. “Our Jewish Student Union clubs are a haven for students to learn about Israel and Jewish life while expressing their pride in being Jewish, but in the current environment, we need partners, like the ADL, to give them an additional sense of safety and security. Through expanded incident reporting response, staff trainings and student resources, and even legal action when called for, we hope to qualitatively increase the level of impact JSU has on our students and their families through our partnership with ADL.”
ADL will provide programs and training sessions about antisemitism and help foster an environment in which teens can safely develop a positive Jewish identity through NCSY’s JSU high school clubs. Through the partnership, students and staff in NCSY programs are also encouraged to fight antisemitism by reporting incidents through ADL’s platform.
“As antisemitism reaches historically high levels, we must do everything we can to empower Jewish teens with the resources they need to fight antisemitism and hate of all forms,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “And through our partnership with NCSY, we hope more Jewish teens will be able to strengthen their Jewish identity.”
ADL and NCSY will plan to launch shared programs and initiatives in the coming months.
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. More at www.adl.org.
About NCSY
NCSY, a trailblazer in engaging Jewish youth for more than 70 years, connects with Jewish teens through innovative, cutting-edge social and recreational programs to develop a positive Jewish identity. NCSY inspires Jewish teens and their connection to Israel through informal Jewish education, retreats, and summer programs. NCSY empowers more than 32,000 teens, across six countries, through leadership development and guidance to become passionately committed leaders of the Jewish community and instruments for positive change and renewal.
About JSU
JSU is more than just a high school club. It is the only Jewish club on campus for Jewish teens in public school and, in the current environment, has become a beacon of Jewish pride. JSU provides a welcoming and vibrant Jewish community where teens learn and connect with each other, explore Jewish culture and history, and discover opportunities for deeper engagement. From just four clubs in Los Angeles in 2002, JSU has grown into a national network of over 320 clubs, transforming the high school experience for more than 17,000 students across North America every year.