“Hate that starts with the Jews never ends there” – Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is launching a campaign to encourage residents across the region to support a new initiative, #StandUpToJewishHate, designed to mobilize all Americans, especially non-Jews, to combat antisemitism. The initiative was created through a $25 million investment by Robert F. Kraft, and the launch of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, of which Jewish Federation is an official partner.
According to the Pew Research Center, Jews only make up 2.4% of the American population yet are the victims of 55% of religious-based hate crimes, recorded by the FBI Hate Crime Reports.
In addition to Jewish Federation, a broad coalition of partnered organizations, including the League of Women Voters, Urban League, National Governors Association, the Anti-Defamation League and Hillel International, are also encouraging their supporters to stand up to Jewish hate.
The #StandUpToJewishHate national campaign features digital platforms, billboards and social media content, and a public service announcement. The roll-out introduces #🟦 to signify the rising threat of antisemitism. The PSA will currently air on The Voice, Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and TODAY.
“The #StandUpToJewishHate campaign is designed to raise awareness for the fight against antisemitism, specifically among non-Jewish audiences and to help all Americans understand that there is a role for each of us to play in combating a problem that is unfortunately all too prevalent in communities across the country today,” said Kraft. “We must stand up and take action against the rise of all hate and I hope everyone will post and share the Blue Square to show their support in this fight.”
Antisemitic incidents in Pennsylvania increased by 65% in 2022, according to a recent report from the Anti-Defamation League. Locally, last year’s totals included 34 incidents in Philadelphia, 24 in Montgomery County, and 5 in Bucks County.
“Hate comes in all forms and it is imperative that we – as a community – Jewish and non-Jewish – unite to abolish all forms of hate everywhere,” said Michael Balaban, President and CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. “The Jewish Federation is grateful to the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism for this new campaign and encourages all business, civic, and community leaders, as well as individuals and families across our region to embrace this new campaign. Together we can stand up to hate, everywhere.”
Many outside the Jewish community are not aware of the scale of Jewish hate. According to a survey by Wunderman Thompson SONAR, over 52% of U.S. adults 18+ “[do not believe] antisemitism is a big problem,” and 45% believe that Jewish people are more than capable of handling issues of antisemitism on their own (Wunderman Thompson Bespoke SONAR Quantitative Study).
Another recent study from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) found that 85% of Americans believe at least one anti-Jewish trope. Additionally, the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism has observed an increase in discussion of antisemitism online over the past two years, with the biggest increases in conversation in 2022 related to antisemitic flyers, conspiracy theories, and the Holocaust (according to The Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, 2022).
“We cannot let 2.4% of the population fight antisemitism on its own,” added Balaban.
The Jewish Federation of Philadelphia and The Secure Community Network (SCN) have a system in place for anyone experiencing antisemitism to immediately report any threats, incidents, or suspicious activity related to Jewish organizations, facilities, or community members to email security@jewishphilly.org.
Once a report is submitted, the information goes directly to the Jewish Federation’s Security Director. A copy will also go to the 24-hour duty desk in SCN’s National Jewish Security Operations Command Center, where it is reviewed by intelligence analysts using best practices. This new reporting capability will allow the Jewish Federation to fully track the number and kinds of threats to the Jewish Community in Greater Philadelphia.
How to Stand Up Against Jewish Hate:
- Post and share #🟦 – an emoji already available on most smartphones – across social media alongside a message of support for the Jewish community and commitment to stand up to Jewish hate.
- Activate your network by making them aware of the #StandUpToJewishHate campaign and how they can use #🟦 as a powerful symbol of solidarity with the Jewish community.
- Tell your story to followers on social media, describing an instance where you’ve either encountered antisemitism and how it affected you or witnessed someone standing up against hatred towards Jews.
- Visit www.StandUpToJewishHate.org and subscribe to the Foundation’s ”From the Command Center” e-newsletter to keep up to date on how antisemitism is spreading online, learn ways to identify and report it, and find helpful tools and resources around antisemitism.
- Follow the #StandUpToJewishHate campaign at @StandUpToJewishHate on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to keep up-to-date with #🟦 and learn more about antisemitism.
WATCH: Learn More About #StandUpToJewishHate
WATCH: NBC10 Philadelphia’s Coverage of #StandUpToJewishHate