Dear John,

Did you know that people who understand significantly less than average about Jews, Judaism and the real number of Jews who were killed in the Holocaust are far more likely to believe in antisemitic tropes? Or that belief in conspiracy theories is also a significant predictor of antisemitic beliefs?

This is new data and new findings to build on the ADL survey of Antisemitic Attitudes in America. This is the second report based on the study released in January, which revealed the highest percentage of respondents harboring extensive antisemitic prejudice in decades. This analysis helps us understand the intersections between antisemitism, ignorance and conspiratorial thinking. And vitally, this helps us find the most effective ways to combat this hatred.

Please read more about the new analysis — including the alarming finding that 12 percent of Americans agreed that “there are people who secretly work to make sure immigrants will eventually replace real Americans.” This concern is at the core of the Great Replacement Theory, which claims that Jews are trying to bring in non-white immigrants in order to remove white populations. The shooter in the Tree of Life synagogue attack in Pittsburgh, PA that killed 11 people was one adherent of this conspiracy, as were the attacker in the deadly shooting at a synagogue in Poway, CA and the gunman who murdered 10 people in a grocery store in Buffalo, NY.

Our researchers noted that respondents who indicated their school taught specifically about the Holocaust endorsed the fewest anti-Jewish statements.

As this last finding indicates, any viable long-term strategy for protecting the Jewish community must include education at its core. We can’t fight hate without changing hearts and minds.

Today, we ask you to take a step in that direction by calling on your member of Congress to cosponsor the HEAL (Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons) Act to assess the state of Holocaust education so that one day every student across the United States learns to fight antisemitism and all other forms of hate.

As we join together in Fighting Hate for Good, we must make sure the next generations understand the importance of “Never Again.”

Sincerely,

Jonathan Greenblatt

CEO and National Director

ADL