Dear Friends,

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit and volunteer in Israel. It’s hard to describe the emotions I felt landing at Ben Gurion airport and seeing the faces of hostages on posters still being held by Hamas throughout the walk to baggage claim. Many friends before I left said “Wow, I can’t believe you’re going into a war zone” or “Aren’t you afraid to be so close to terrorists?” The truth is I never felt safer than when I was there in Israel. In fact, at times, I felt more comfortable than I do back home in the United States some days.   

My trip consisted of volunteer work and briefings in various parts of the country. We started at the Gaza envelope area to the communities of Sderot, which was one of the first areas the Hamas terrorists attacked, to Shuva to listen to a medic who was a first responder on 10/7, and to the Nova music festival site. I bore witness with my own eyes to the destruction, devastation and massacres that happened. I spoke directly with IDF soldiers hearing their pain about being in this war, but that Hamas is brutal and literally hiding behind innocent women, children, and families at risk too.

I visited a Moshav (a cooperative community of farmers) to help package fruits and vegetables, Leket Israel, a national food bank, to help sort through vegetables for communities in need, packaged meals for soldiers, and visited the Hostage Family Plaza in Tel Aviv. I celebrated Shabbat in Jerusalem at the Kotel (Western Wall) where we lifted up our voices in song and prayer to celebrate life. I walked through the old city to the Jewish quarter, Muslim quarter, passed by the Armenian and Christian quarters, and saw the incredible diversity that makes up the state of Israel.  

Israel is a magnificent country with half of the world’s Jewish population residing there. It reminded me how fighting antisemitism isn’t just a domestic fight here at home, it’s a global fight. ADL is a global leader in combatting antisemitism, hate and extremism. What we are witnessing here at home in the United States on our campuses, in K-12 spaces, and in our communities every day is tragic. We must find a way to curb it and not allow it to be mainstreamed anymore.  Israelis from all backgrounds and the Jewish people believe in life, prosperity and peace. ADL strongly believes in partnerships and making sure we have a just and inclusive society for all. I challenge each of you to join us in the fight against antisemitism and bring ADL to your communities in fighting hate for good.   

ADL D.C. continuously works on the ground to serve our communities. Through robust educational programs, speaking engagements, and advocacy, we empower the region to challenge hate, bias, bigotry, and extremism. 

Speaking Engagements

• In May, we provided Chizuk Amuno Congregation in Pikesville, Maryland with tools to 'Stop the Hate' - building an understanding of the 'what' and 'whys' of antisemitism and exploring steps for ‘how’ to address it.  We also spoke with Jewish residents of Riderwood Senior Living Community in Silver Spring, Maryland on the state of antisemitism today. 
• On May 15, 2024, the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater Jewish Community Relations Council of the UJFT, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, and ADL D.C. brought together local arts leaders to learn about antisemitism and the harm it causes, with the goal of empowering local arts organizations to provide thought-provoking programming that is welcoming and inclusive of Jewish community members and Jewish artists. Click here to learn more and access the toolkit for the event. 

Educational Trainings and Workshops

• The Washington, D.C. Regional office would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to the over 180 schools who participated in No Place for Hate this year, and the many who earned designation. We are so proud of all you have accomplished in your school communities this year.  Click here to watch our No Place for Hate Recognition Ceremony!

Advocacy Days

• On Tuesday, May 21^st , ADL staff and lay leaders engaged in ADL’s Lobby Day. Participants in our region met with Senators Cardin (MD), Kaine (VA), Tillis (NC), and Warner (VA), to advocate for priority legislation like increased Non-Profit Security Grant funding and support for the Countering Antisemitism and Antisemitism Awareness Acts.