New York, NY, November 10, 2023, ... Today, ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) and OLAMI announced a formal partnership aimed at combating rising tides of antisemitism on college campuses across the country with focused efforts to promote programmatic opportunities for dialogue to advance tolerance and understanding.
“Jewish students have borne the brunt of severe antisemitic incidents, including violent assaults, intimidation, and harassment at the hands of their fellow students,“ said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director. “Anti-Israel protests on campuses are creating hostile climates for Jewish students and that’s why we are doubling down on our work together during this crucial time to address these threats and provide forums for dialogue.”
Rabbi David Markowitz, Executive Vice President of Olami, expressed his appreciation of this partnership. “Olami’s 60,000 students and staff on college campuses around the world are encountering rising levels of antisemitism, with many students reporting that they don’t feel safe on campus. Together with the ADL, we will combat this dangerous trend and support students ensuring that they stand tall with pride, fostering and celebrating their Jewish identity”
The partnership between ADL and OLAMI will endeavor to bring together ADL’s best-in-class expertise in combating antisemitism and extremism and OLAMI’s network of 60,000 college students and young professionals. With key programing set to begin immediately, the partnership reflects the shared vision of these two organizations to create a more inclusive and just society, ensuring that students can study, learn, and thrive without fear of discrimination or prejudice.
Key features of this partnership include:
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Tracking and responding to antisemitic incidents: ADL will work alongside OLAMI to monitor and respond to antisemitic incidents on college campuses. This joint effort will ensure that such incidents are identified and addressed promptly, creating a safer environment for Jewish students.
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Education and training: ADL and OLAMI will collaborate on initiatives to educate students and the broader campus community about antisemitism, its consequences, and ways to counteract it. Together, they will develop educational programs, workshops, and resources to raise awareness and combat antisemitic attitudes and behaviors.
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Social media internship: OLAMI’s Social Media Internship is a new benchmark program which is working to reshape the narrative on social media. ADL will be adding capacity to the internship as well as providing resources to ensure this program continues to grow.
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Support for OLAMI directors and students: OLAMI Directors and students across the nation will receive guidance and support from ADL, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to address antisemitism effectively and promote inclusivity.
Since Hamas‘ terrorist attack in Israel on Oct. 7th through Oct. 23, ADL recorded at least 54 antisemitic incidents on campuses, of which 43 could be directly linked to the situation with Hamas in Israel. There have been more than 110 anti-Israel rallies on U.S. campuses since the war started, with at least 27 including explicit expressions of support for terrorism against the state of Israel.
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.
OLAMI is a modern Jewish tribe that utilizes revolutionary approaches to Jewish engagement through social and educational opportunities. Olami builds Jewish pride, identity, and community for 60,000 Jewish young adults annually. Our programs span 300 college campuses and young professional centers around the world, fostering meaningful Jewish connection and continuity. More information at www.olami.org.