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Dear Friends,
Summer has officially arrived—bringing longer days, bright skies, and a sense of renewal. Yet this season, our community remains under a heavy shadow. As temperatures rise, so too does the threat to Jewish life all over the world, and ADL is meeting the moment with urgency and resolve.
ADL’s Center on Extremism has tracked a sharp and troubling rise in antisemitic and extreme anti-Israel rhetoric, particularly in response to the escalating tensions between Israel and the Iranian regime. Online platforms—especially Telegram—have seen a surge in violent, genocidal language targeting Jews, with some extremist channels increasing such rhetoric by nearly 600% following Israel’s recent actions. Extremist actors are seizing on global events to
fuel conspiracy theories, incite violence, and legitimize open antisemitism under the guise of anti-Israel sentiment. This includes calls to “destroy Israel,” the spread of classic antisemitic tropes, and threatening imagery aimed at Jewish individuals and institutions around the world. ADL continues to monitor these developments closely, exposing the dangerous overlap of antisemitism, anti-Zionism, and extremist propaganda. We are working tirelessly to push back against this growing threat and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to fighting hate and bias in all its forms—both online and off.
Just recently, ADL reported that the Jewish community is operating in an “unprecedentedly high threat environment,” with at least 16 extremist plots or attacks targeting Jews, Zionists, or Jewish institutions since January 2020. Unregulated online platforms
remain a powerful megaphone for hate, enabling the rapid spread of dangerous ideologies that demand a coordinated and urgent response.
In recent weeks, disturbing videos allegedly showing the Boulder attacker surfaced on pro-terror Telegram channels. This is an ominous example of how digital spaces are being weaponized to incite violence in the real world.
We are holding the Boulder Jewish community and the victims of the attack close in our hearts and sending strength, solidarity, and unwavering support. No community should live in fear, and ADL remains steadfast in our pursuit of accountability, exposure of hate, and the safety of Jewish life across the country. As the nation’s capital, our regional community is meant to symbolize hope, democracy, and unity. Our region shares in the pain felt by Boulder., as we are still reeling from the horrific murder of Israeli embassy staff members Yaron Lischinsky z”l and Sarah Lynn Milgrim z”l outside the Capital Jewish Museum just last month. Together, these attacks are painful
reminders that hate festers and is a danger to all members of our community.
These domestic threats are deeply intertwined with global tensions. The recent escalation between Israel and the Iranian regime has not only heightened international instability, but also triggered a surge of antisemitic and anti-Israel rhetoric here at home. The J7 Task Force
continues to lead national and international efforts to confront this dangerous climate. You can read the statement by clicking here.
Our CEO and National Director, Jonathan Greenblatt, underscored this point in a recent interview with MSNBC stating, "we worry because the Islamic Republic of Iran has been chanting, 'death to Israel, death to Zionism', and this kind of fear mongering has consequences." His words reflect the urgency of confronting not only the surge in global antisemitism, but also the growing threat posed by the Iranian regime—a regime that terrorizes, spreads hate and endangers communities worldwide.
In the face of these compounding challenges, ADL is mobilizing swiftly:
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Extremism Monitoring: ADL’s Center on Extremism continues to set the national standard for tracking antisemitic plots and threats.
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Digital Intervention: We’re pushing tech platforms to remove extremist content—and exposing those that refuse. You can support that by clicking here.
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Community Safety Advocacy: From securing emergency grants for Jewish institutions to partnering with law enforcement, we’re helping communities fortify their defenses. Make your voice heard by clicking here.
In these difficult times, we are profoundly grateful for YOU. We are grateful for our supporters, donors, and all who continue to show up, by speaking out, attending events, and investing in our mission. Your partnership powers our ability to respond with strength, speed, and strategy.
Because of you, ADL can continue to protect communities, advance justice, and fight antisemitism in all its forms.
Thank you for standing with us. Your support makes all the difference.
Sincerely,
Josh Stevens
ADL D.C. Deputy Regional Director |
As we near the end of June, we’re sending a warm reminder to those who haven’t yet made their annual gift to ADL: there’s still time to be part of this year’s impact. Your support fuels everything we do—from standing up to antisemitism and hate, to building safer, more inclusive communities.
If ADL’s mission has meant something to you this year, we hope you’ll consider making your end-of-year gift before the campaign wraps.
A quick note: Our fiscal year has changed and will now begin on July 1st, 2025. That means your gift today helps close this chapter strong—and sets the stage for what’s ahead.
Thank you for being in this with us. We couldn’t do it without you.
Sincerely,
Josh Stevens
ADL D.C. Deputy Regional Director |
WEBINAR: STATE OF HATE IN THE D.C. REGION | |
Our upcoming webinar, State of Hate in the D.C. Region: A Community Gathering, originally scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, 2025, has been rescheduled. Please join us for the new date:
Monday, June 30, 2025 | 5:00 – 6:00 PM ET
We encourage you to register here to ensure you receive the updated event details and Zoom link. Thank you for your understanding—we look forward to gathering with you soon. |
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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On Friday, June 20, ADL Washington, D.C. hosted its annual SHIELD Awards, honoring exceptional law enforcement officers in our region for their bravery, leadership, and unwavering commitment to protecting our communities.
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July 1, 4:00 PM ET: Spaces of Treblinka: Retracing a Death Camp. Treblinka was meant to be a secret, but nearby townspeople knew of its horrors. In Spaces of Treblinka: Retracing a Death Camp, Dr. Jacob Flaws draws on testimonies from Jewish, German, and Polish witnesses to dispel the myth that Treblinka was isolated and unseen. Join Dr. Flaws for a webinar exploring how spatial reality reveals more witnesses than once believed—and how, today, we all have the power to bear witness.
Register here.
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July 10, 4:00 PM ET: Teaching the Bosnian War and the Genocide at Srebrenica (for educators). The breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s led to ethnic conflict, including the Bosnian War and the 1995 genocide at Srebrenica. Expert Kim Klett offers historical context and explores the causes, consequences, and legacy of the conflict. Educators will gain classroom-ready strategies and resources to teach about ethnic violence, justice, and genocide with empathy and critical thinking.
Register here.
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July 14, 4:00 PM ET: From Paris to Auschwitz: Uncovering the Holocaust in France (for educators).
After the Nazi occupation of France in 1940, life changed drastically for the country’s 340,000 Jews—many of whom were persecuted by both the Nazis and their fellow citizens. With the help of the Vichy regime, discriminatory laws, arrests, and deportations to Auschwitz began, resulting in tragic consequences. Join Echoes & Reflections’ Jesse Tannetta to explore how photographs, survivor testimonies, and primary sources can help students connect with the personal stories behind the Holocaust in Western Europe.
Register here.
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July 22, 3:00 PM ET: An American Reporter Who Watched the Rise of the Nazis to Power in Germany
. Sigrid Schultz was the Berlin bureau chief for the Chicago Tribune from 1925 to early 1941. She reported on every step of the Nazi rise to power, including a rare private interview with Hitler in 1931. According to William Shirer, author of The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, "No other American correspondent in Berlin knew so much of what was going on behind the scenes as did Sigrid Schultz." This webinar, led by historian Pamela Toler, will discuss what Sigrid saw, how her newspaper handled her reports, and what we can learn from her experiences.
Register here.
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are you interested in having adl washington, d.c. speak at your congregation, workplace, school or community gathering? | |
Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding, spark meaningful dialogue, or equip your audience with tools to combat hate, our team offers impactful presentations and interactive trainings tailored to your needs. We cover a range of topics including antisemitism, extremism, hate crimes, allyship, and strategies for building inclusive and respectful communities. Our speakers bring both expertise and passion, creating an engaging and thought-provoking experience for participants of all ages and backgrounds.
To request a speaker, please fill out our Speaker Request Form, and a member of our team will follow up with you promptly to discuss the details and next steps. We look forward to partnering with you to create a safer, more inclusive environment for all. |
Combating Antisemitism
Protecting Students
Stopping Hate and Extremism
Addressing October 7th |
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