Bloomfield Township Hosts Critical Discussion on Rising Antisemitism

In Bloomfield Township, nearly 800 people gathered at Temple Israel to hear updates on the alarming rise of antisemitism in America from Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Greenblatt painted a vivid picture of the current landscape, bringing attention to the disturbing statistics that have emerged since the October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel. He reported a staggering 10,000 antisemitic incidents recorded nationwide, marking the highest number ever documented by the ADL.

“We’ve faced the threat of annihilation before,” Greenblatt warned, “but now the threat is global. It’s not just in Israel but in Dearborn, Ann Arbor and Bloomfield.” His comments resonated deeply with the attentive crowd, many of whom expressed their concern about these issues.

On the same night, a related event unfolded in the township as approximately 400 residents attended a Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees meeting to address a board member’s derogatory comments about Israeli and American Zionists. This dual focus on antisemitism highlights the urgency of the situation.

Worsening Crisis

Greenblatt elaborated on the rising tide of antisemitism, noting that incidents have been rising steadily since the 2016 election. Reported acts against Jewish individuals and institutions increased 34% and spiked an astonishing 86% by spring 2017. Over the last five years, antisemitic sentiments in the U.S. have doubled, with the ADL noting a 900% increase over the past decade.

Greenblatt attributed this rise to three main factors: growing polarization, the radicalization of education, and the emboldening of extremist groups. He stressed that social media plays a significant role by allowing the rapid spread of hate and false information, while advanced AI technologies make it challenging to differentiate between fact and fiction.

Anti-Zionism Concerns

Another troubling aspect Greenblatt mentioned is the normalization of anti-Zionism, particularly among younger generations. “There doesn’t seem to be the same sense of attachment to Israel,” he observed. He emphasized the importance of expressing compassion for innocents affected in Gaza while maintaining moral clarity when discussing these topics. “Anti-Zionism is antisemitism. Period. End of story.”

Innovative Responses from ADL

In response to these unprecedented levels of antisemitism, the ADL is adopting new strategies, including a “Campus Report Card”, which evaluates colleges on their antisemitism climate. Institutions are assigned grades based on various criteria, allowing for accountability and improvement.

Additionally, the ADL is fostering “bottom-up activism”, encouraging community members to engage with businesses and organizations that support social justice initiatives. “Vote with your wallet,” Greenblatt urged, recognizing the influence individuals can have in fighting hate.

Community Call to Action

In closing, Greenblatt called on attendees to broaden their efforts by reaching out to non-Jewish friends and allies. “Each and every one of you has power. You’re not just a vote or a check; you’re a voice, and you have got to use your voice,” he asserted.

Local leaders, including elected officials and community members, echoed his sentiments. They expressed a shared commitment to combatting antisemitism and fostering solidarity among diverse groups. Carolyn Normandin, regional director of ADL Michigan, voiced the need for collective action during this crucial time, stating, “It’s crucial to button up our solidarity. It’s a very large tent, and we need everyone in it.”

For further information on antisemitism, including ways to take action, individuals are encouraged to access resources through the ADL’s website.