View in browser
|
Dear Friends,
As the month of October closed, there was much to reflect on with both celebrations and a feeling of solemness. Jewish communities worldwide rang in the sweet new year during Rosh Hashanah, reflected and atoned during the Yom Kippur fast, constructed our Sukkahs during Sukkot, and celebrated joy during Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. Among the celebrations, we carried with us the painful knowledge that too many dinner tables remain empty as hostages are still held captive in Gaza. As we passed the one-year anniversary of the tragic October 7th day, the deep wounds on our community still remain fresh. But this does not mean we are not strong. Being joyful even when we are grieving is a
true testament to the strength of the global Jewish community.
Just this past week the United States witnessed a sacred part of our democracy – the Presidential election. As the leading anti-hate organization in the world, ADL remains steadfastly committed to our timeless mission and continuing to encourage unity as we combat antisemitism and other forms of hate that pose a threat in our communities, online and on campuses. Our CEO and National Director Jonathan Greenblatt issued a statement
to the new administration and all candidates who won that we welcome the opportunity to work with them on ADL’s commitment to fight the antisemitism spreading in our communities.
Here in the region, I am eager to share with you just some of the ways in which ADL Washington, D.C. has and will continue to fight hate for good. We maintain vigilance in our region, and are committed to sustaining our empowerment of Jewish communities who feel threatened by the presence of those who wish to destroy and delegitimize the Jewish experience and right to self-determination. This past month, I had the opportunity to speak on Fox 5 DC
to discuss the lasting impacts on the Jewish community since October 7. In the campus space, we also responded to the University of Maryland BDS efforts which ultimately did not pass, the
heinous, pro-terrorist graffiti found at Georgetown University’s campus and their hosting of UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese.
Despite these obstacles, we have much to look forward to. As of November 1, ADL launched the ADL Ronald Birnbaum Center to Combat Antisemitism in Education (CCAE). With this new center, we will foster safe, inclusive environments in schools and colleges, empower Jewish communities, and enhance safety. ADL Washington, D.C. is also a proud sponsor of
Stand Together, which is taking place on Sunday, November 10. As threats to the Jewish community rise, we must stand together, fight antisemitism, and strengthen our Jewish unity. You can find more information by clicking here.
Finally, I am excited that we are officially 10 days away from ADL’s In Concert Against Hate at the Kennedy Center. We are thrilled to continue the tradition of honoring heroes and celebrating their extraordinary acts of courage and compassion when confronted by hate and bigotry. It will truly be a night to remember. We are excited to see you on November 18 at the Kennedy Center. As always, thank you for your support and I encourage you to read more about our ongoing efforts in the region as well as nationally.
Sincerely, |
|
Meredith R. Weisel
ADL D.C. Regional Director |
ADL D.C. continuously does work 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.
-
The D.C. Regional Office Operations and Education staff collaborated at the end of October to offer a dual program on antisemitism to members of Temple Sinai, a Kulanu synagogue in Washington, D.C. Parents engaged in a presentation and discussion on speaking to their children, and schools, about antisemitism, including ADL’s new advocacy resources. Students engaged in conversation through our
Words to Action program on their experiences with antisemitism, and the steps that they can take to combat antisemitism when and where they see it. We so enjoyed the robust conversation and collaboration with our community.
-
ADL D.C. Regional Education Director presented to teachers and administrators from Prince William County Public Schools on the No Place for Hate program. We are so thrilled to be working with such a large cohort of teachers who are receiving such support from their school district. |
-
Did you miss the No Place for Hate Kickoff and Author Read Aloud? View the recording here!
-
Upcoming Webinar—November 12, 4 PM EST: Empowering Primary Education: Testimony-Based Learning with the Willesden Project. Learn how to access testimony-based activities through the Willesden Project for primary classrooms that use the power of music and story to help build empathetic, knowledgeable and resilient students. Register here.
-
Upcoming Webinar—December 5, at 4 PM EST: Opening the Dialogue: Helping Young People Navigate Antisemitism. How do you talk to young people about something as painful and complex as antisemitism, especially when they are the target? Through expert insights, this webinar will provide guidance for parents, caregivers and educators to help address their children and teen’s needs and concerns.
Register here.
|
Join us at ADL’s In Concert Against Hate at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on Monday, Nov. 18. It will be an unforgettable night filled with music, community and celebration, as we come together to fight hate and honor those making a difference. Get your tickets now!
We can’t wait to see you on Nov. 18 to honor everyday heroes who are fighting hate for good. Pop icon Sia, accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra is set to perform during this special evening. In case you missed it, we shared that
entertainment executive Scooter Braun will be recognized for his instrumental role in bringing the Nova Music Festival Exhibition to audiences in the United States. |
-
November 10: Stand Together - ADL Washington, D.C. is a proud sponsor this Sunday and is excited to show our support for the Jewish community and take a stand against antisemitism.
|
Applications for the Glass Leadership (GLI) Institute 2025 are now open!
Established over 20 years ago, GLI is the cornerstone leadership development program at ADL. It empowers young professionals to fight antisemitism and hate in their own communities and offers participants an insider’s perspective of ADL’s programs. Participants engage in dynamic, interactive sessions on a broad range of topics, exposing them to the important work of fighting hate for good. Application deadline is Monday, November 26. |
Combating Antisemitism
Protecting Students
Stopping Hate and Extremism
Addressing October 7th
Miscellaneous Items |
|
|
|
|