The 4 Pillars of Challenging Antisemitism

Challenging Antisemitism Learning Framework

ADL Education’s four pillars of the Challenging Antisemitism Learning framework mirror our philosophy of anti-bias learning and support learners in applying anti-bias skills and knowledge to antisemitism. This framework supports audiences in learning to recognize and build understanding of antisemitism as a form of bias that exists in themselves, others and society, and to explore ways to address and challenge it. The focus of each pillar is best explored through interactive and relevant learning experiences, ideally in an environment conducive to anti-bias learning, including respectful group dialogue, co-construction of knowledge and sharing of individual and collective perspectives and experiences.

Explore Jewish Identity

Learning to recognize and challenge antisemitism starts with exploring Jewish identity. Learners of all different identities begin their challenging antisemitism journey learning about the diversity and complexity of Jewish identity. Through this learning, audiences affirm the existence Jewish identity as a distinct group within the larger story of humanity and differences, as well as acknowledging the diversity of experiences, group identity and perspective among the Jewish people. Central to this learning is to explore the joy and resilience of the Jewish people as well as the shared experience of harm that comes from anti-Jewish attitudes and behaviors, recognizing that while antisemitism has shaped Jewish identity, Jewish identity is not defined by bias. Learning about Jewish identity offers transferable lessons that learners may connect to other group identities they hold, recognizing both common histories and shared experiences, as well as the infinite variations and intersecting identities held by members of the group.

Select Essential Questions:

• What is Judaism and who are the Jewish people?
• How do Jewish people define their identity; is it a religion, an ethnicity, a race, or a culture?
• Where did the Jewish people originate and where do they live now—and why?
• How do Jewish people of different identities experience their connection to the broader Jewish community? To Jewish culture? To Judaism? To Israel?

Recognize and Examine Antisemitism

This pillar allows learners to see differences through a lens of respect rather than stereotypical patterns. Learners hold the complexity of Jewish identity in contrast to the distortion of Jewish identity that is reflected in antisemitic thinking. A working definition of antisemitism is a foundational tool for observing the antisemitic patterns and ideas that evolve over time, maintaining antisemitism as a widespread and enduring worldview. This pillar is focused on building the capacity to recognize how antisemitism shows up through language, images and other behaviors based on anti-Jewish stereotypes.  Listening to the experiences and perspective of the targeted group (Jewish people) is essential when defining and identifying antisemitism. Learners of all identities can become more aware of their own biases about Jewish people and challenge harmful ideas and behaviors within themselves and others.

Sample Essential Questions:

• How is antisemitism defined, and who gets to define it?
• How did antisemitism begin, and why does it still exist?
• What stereotypes about Jewish people are commonly believed and why?
• How is antisemitism similar to and different from other types of bias, like racism or ableism?

Challenge Antisemitism

To effectively and confidently challenge antisemitism, learners must apply their understanding of basic patterns of antisemitism to communities, institutions and systems. Antisemitic ideas, language, imagery, behavior and incidents serve a harmful function in society: it perpetuates myths and conspiratorial thinking that makes Jewish communities vulnerable and causes harm for people of all marginalized identity groups.  Observation of thought patterns, counter speech, education and other tools used to challenge antisemitism and interrupt this harm are transferable across different forms of bias. Learners can build confidence and skills to address and challenge implicit biases about Jewish people, antisemitic speech and antisemitic behaviors and actions. Challenging antisemitism means acknowledging all manifestations of antisemitism as harmful, including internalized antisemitism, interpersonal interactions and institutionalized discrimination.

Sample Essential Questions:

• What stories are told about Jewish people in history and today? What is their impact?
• What is the function and impact of stereotypes about Jewish people?
• In addition to Jewish people, which other groups are impacted by antisemitic ideas and incidents?
• What strategies can help interrupt and counter antisemitic speech and behaviors?
• What different tools and skills are required to interrupt antisemitism in interpersonal interactions versus institutionalized discrimination?

Champion Justice

Learning about antisemitism can be an enlightening and rigorous process towards furthering justice, or fair treatment, access and opportunity among different individuals and groups. Applying and connecting that learning to actions can help to transform learning environments and communities. Each learner is empowered to identify their own motivation and path to champion inclusive, safer and fair communities. The lessons learned by across the previous three pillars are transferable and contribute to more inclusive and equitable learning environments and communities for Jewish people and people of all identities. These lessons include: awareness of complex and multi-faceted identities, recognizing the harm caused by stereotyping and other patterns of bias, and countering scapegoating and conspiratorial thinking in context. This framework encourages all community members to act as change agents by committing to ongoing learning about antisemitism and take action to bring about justice in their communities and the world.

Sample Essential Questions:

• What is my personal motivation to challenge antisemitism in myself, my community and the world?
• What are effective phrases that can be used to interrupt antisemitic stereotypes in everyday interactions?