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Dear Friends,
I hope your holidays and January were filled with joy and rest as we continue on into 2025. While ADL is proud to reflect on the accomplishments of the last year
, we are eager and geared up to make this year one to remember. I am excited to share with you some of the ways we have made meaningful, lasting changes from this past month and our plan to make more in the months ahead. While the world rested for the holidays, ADL stayed vigilant and ready for action. Among one of the highlights of this month included the return of three hostages held by Hamas in Gaza for 471 days. Having Emily, Doron and Romi home with their loved ones after their harrowing experience gives us renewed hope that the remaining hostages will be returned soon. Until then, we will not stop fighting until every one of them is back. We reflect on our achievements as we move
forward into February.
This month, we released statements on the deadly terror attack in New Orleans, attended public calls to bring our people home
, and addressed growing concerns over antisemitism in schools. Jewish parents have expressed growing fear and anxiety for the safety and well-being of their children, as instances of hatred, harassment, and discrimination against Jewish students have become increasingly prevalent. ADL Center on Antisemitism Research (CAR) recently released a
new report that 71% of Jewish Parents and 37% of Non-Jewish Parents Surveyed Say Their Child Encountered Antisemitism in the Classroom
. This disturbing trend affects our community’s shared values of inclusion, respect, and safety. It is our collective responsibility to stand against all forms of hatred, and to ensure that every child, regardless of background, can learn and grow in an environment free from fear.
The ADL Global 100 survey was released this month, which is a survey that gauges levels of antisemitic sentiments through an index comprised of 11 questions that measure general acceptance of various negative Jewish stereotypes. Survey respondents who say at least 6 out of the 11 statements are “probably true” or “definitely true” are considered to harbor elevated levels of antisemitic attitudes. Respondents were from 103 countries and territories.
Using this interactive map on our website, you can explore antisemitic attitudes as reported by the areas of the Americas, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East/Northern Africa, Asia and Oceania. ADL found that 46% of adults worldwide hold antisemitic attitudes, which has increased 108% compared to ADL’s first worldwide survey a decade ago. This means the number of people worldwide who hold antisemitic beliefs has more than doubled.
57% of respondents recognize that hate towards Jews is a serious problem. Rest assured these findings fuel our determination to continue pushing forward with even greater resolve.
As we close out this month, we couldn’t be prouder of the incredible work ADL has done. Every challenge we’ve overcome, every milestone we’ve reached, and every effort put forth has been a testament to the dedication, passion, and teamwork that define us. The energy and enthusiasm we’ve built will propel us into the next month as we continue to fight hate for good. We can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together next. The future is bright, and we are ready to embrace it with even more drive and determination! Let’s keep pushing forward—our best is yet to come!
Best,
Meredith R. Weisel
ADL Washington, D.C. Regional Director |
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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.
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ADL’s D.C. Education team provided a Words to Action program for the middle and high school students of Washington Hebrew Congregation. The teens engaged in conversation 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.
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ADL D.C. presented to a federal Jewish Heritage Employee Resource Group (ERG) on Talking to Youth About Antisemitism; providing parents, caregivers, and concerned family members with information and tools to support and empower children during this time of unprecedented antisemitism.
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Webinar: Wednesday, January 29 4-5:30 PM Marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day with a Reflection on Liberation January 27th marks 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz, and for this reason the date was chosen for International Holocaust Remembrance Day. But what exactly happened on January 27, 1945? Was liberation the happy ending we think it was? Register here.
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Combatting Antisemitism: A Program for Teens in Grades 9-12 and Their Parents (Sunday, February 2 from 2:00-4:30) Join us for this joint program with Beth El, ADL and Stand With Us. In this program, you will be provided with the knowledge and skills to constructively and effectively respond to antisemitism in-person and online, in school and campus settings. The program is sponsored by The Talles Center for Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism.
Registration is required, click here.
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Parent Summit (Sunday, February 9 from 9:30-12:30 PM): With the recent, unprecedented rise in antisemitism, especially in educational spaces, we invite parents and caregivers to join American Jewish Committee (AJC) Washington, D.C., the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Washington, D.C., and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC) for our 2025 Parent Summit. Learn vital and valuable advocacy skills and proactive strategies to navigate and combat antisemitism in K-12 schools.
Registration is required, and more information can be found here.
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ADL Webinar Series Unfiltered: February 10 at 8 PM Session 1: Self-Exploration & Community Building For Students. In this opening session of ADL’s Unfiltered Webinar Series, students will reflect on their Jewish identities, begin to understand how antisemitism manifests on campus, and practice engaging in dialogue about Jewish identity and experiences with antisemitism, skills that will be useful on campus.
Register by clicking here.
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Webinar: February 11 at 6 PM Connecting Stories and Legacies: A Conversation with author Gordon Korman and Rachelle Goldstein. Join Gordon Korman, author of Linked and Rachelle Goldstein of the Hidden Child Foundation, for a webinar that delves into the role of storytelling in understanding antisemitism—past and present. Discover how these narratives connect in meaningful ways.
Register by clicking here.
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New Lesson Plan: Antisemitism Uncovered: Recognizing and Challenging Myths
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| Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day: Wednesday, January 29th |
| Maryland Jewish Advocacy Day: Tuesday, February 11th |
Combating Antisemitism
Protecting Students
Stopping Hate and Extremism
Addressing October 7th |
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