Landmark suit seeks damages for workplace antisemitism targeting Jewish employee
New York, NY, September 19, 2024 … ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) today announced it is joining Wigdor LLP as co-counsel in an employment discrimination lawsuit against Intel, marking the first time in recent history the anti-hate organization has filed suit against a major Fortune 500 company for alleged antisemitic discrimination in the workplace.
The complaint in John Doe v. Intel Corporation alleges that Intel failed to address a hostile work environment, discriminated against the plaintiff because of his national origin, religion, race and ethnicity, and ultimately retaliated against him for reporting the discrimination.
The plaintiff – an Israeli living and working in New York – was assigned to report to an Intel executive who bullied and undermined him, as well as publicly amplified social media messages celebrating the murder of Israelis. When the plaintiff, who had outstanding performance reviews and had recently been promoted, reported the anti-Israel hostility and discriminatory workplace conduct, Intel removed him from his job and forced him into a lower-paying role.
“We cannot allow antisemitism to threaten the livelihoods of workers and their families,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director. “Intel failed to protect a talented Israeli employee from workplace discrimination, instead punishing him for raising concerns about his hostile anti-Israel manager. ADL is committed to holding Intel accountable for this injustice and reminding all businesses that such bigotry is unacceptable.”
This announcement comes on the heels of Intel’s opposition to the plaintiff’s request to remain unnamed in public court documents – a decision that will risk the safety of the plaintiff and his family.
Antisemitism in the workplace mirrors dramatic increases of antisemitism in society. ADL’s annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents counted a total of 8,873 antisemitic incidents in 2023, a 140-percent increase from 2022 – already a record-setting year – and the highest level recorded since ADL started tracking this data in 1979. Antisemitic attitudes are also at record levels, with 24 percent of Americans harboring extensive antisemitic beliefs, an increase from 20 percent in 2022.
“We are thrilled that ADL has decided to join us in prosecuting this important case against Intel,” said Douglas H. Wigdor, Founding Partner, Wigdor LLP. “We share ADL’s mission in fighting antisemitism and look forward to working with them in sending a clear message to corporate America that defamation of the Jewish people will not be tolerated in the workplace.”
The complaint, which was originally filed on August 13, 2024, in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, urges the Court to rule that Intel’s actions violated the law, and to order Intel to permanently halt such unlawful conduct. The complaint also urges the Court to award damages to compensate the Plaintiff for harm suffered as a direct result of Intel’s unlawful and discriminatory conduct, as well as punitive damages.
This lawsuit builds on ADL’s efforts to combat workplace antisemitism. More than 100 major corporations have signed on to the ADL “Workplace Pledge to Fight Antisemitism,” committing to address antisemitism in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, support Jewish employees through Employee Resource Groups or other means, provide religious accommodations for employees, and speak out against antisemitism. As part of the White House’s National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, every Fortune 500 company received ADL information on antisemitism, religious accommodations, and Jewish culture and contributions.
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.