Rising Antisemitism Discussed at Temple Israel in Bloomfield Township

In Bloomfield Township, nearly 800 people gathered at Temple Israel to hear Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), speak about the concerning rise of antisemitism in America. Greenblatt’s address provided a stark overview of the current state of antisemitism, particularly following the events of October 7, which marked a significant increase in reported incidents targeting Jewish individuals and communities.

Greenblatt opened with a staggering statistic: since the terrorist attacks on Israel, there have been over 10,000 antisemitic incidents reported nationwide. This marks the highest number recorded by the ADL, and Greenblatt emphasized that the true number is likely even greater due to underreporting. He mentioned, “We’ve faced the threat of annihilation before, but now the threat is global. It’s not just in Israel but in Dearborn, Ann Arbor and Bloomfield.”

His remarks came as the community rallied at the same time, with approximately 400 attendees present at a Bloomfield Township Board meeting addressing a board member’s derogatory social media comments about Zionists.

Concerning Trends in Antisemitism

Greenblatt outlined a troubling trajectory of antisemitism in the United States, highlighting that incidents have been rising steadily since the 2016 presidential election. A reported increase of 34% in incidents was noted, with a dramatic spike of 86% recorded by spring 2017. Alarmingly, antisemitic attitudes have more than doubled in four of the last five years, with the ADL documenting a 900% increase over the past decade.

Greenblatt attributed the normalization of antisemitism to three primary factors: the growing polarization of society, the radical changes in educational institutions, and the encouragement of extremist groups. He pointed out that social media plays a significant role by allowing hateful messages to spread unchecked, often aided by advanced AI technology that blurs the lines between truth and deception.

The Normalization of Anti-Zionism

Another significant concern raised by Greenblatt was the normalization of anti-Zionism, especially among younger generations who are increasingly critical of Israel’s policies, particularly post-October 7. He stressed the importance of balancing compassion for innocent victims in Gaza with a clear stance against the actions of Hamas, stating, “Anti-Zionism is antisemitism. Period. End of story.”

Strategies for Combating Antisemitism

In light of these unprecedented levels of hate, Greenblatt emphasized the need for adaptive strategies in combating antisemitism. He introduced innovative initiatives like the “Campus Report Card”, which evaluates universities based on their handling of antisemitism. Institutions can receive graded assessments that reflect their administrative policies and campus safety for Jewish students.

Moreover, a collaborative effort between campus Hillel organizations and legal professionals aims to assist victims in filing complaints under Title VI against universities that fail to protect their students from antisemitism. Greenblatt also urged the audience to engage in “bottom-up activism,” encouraging individuals to support businesses that ally with the fight against hate.

Call to Action

In his closing remarks, Greenblatt motivated attendees to enlist allies in their fight against antisemitism, stating, “You’re not just a vote or a check; you’re a voice and you have got to use your voice.” Several local elected officials attended the event, echoing the sentiment of unity and commitment to combating hate.

Carolyn Normandin, regional director of ADL Michigan, added that it is imperative to build solidarity during this critical moment. “Speak out, share facts, show strength,” Normandin advised, emphasizing the need for a diverse coalition against antisemitism.

For more information on the fight against antisemitism and how to take action, the ADL encourages individuals to visit their website.