We are grateful for the Jewish Federation’s direct investment in our efforts to be on campus and impact Jewish student life. Antisemitism is both more pervasive and pernicious on campus and in students’ social media. Even as we work with administrations to address antisemitism, our focus has been on the one thing that is universal for Jewish students, namely their desire to explore, experience, and enjoy Jewish life.”
– Jeremy Winaker, Executive Director, Greater Philly Hillel Network
THE JEWISH FEDERATION’S COMMITMENT TO SECURING A VIBRANT JEWISH FUTURE
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia annually invests in the local community, in Israel and elsewhere around the world, supporting three pillars: Caring for Those in Need Locally, Supporting Israel and Global Jewry, and Securing a Vibrant Jewish Future.
As part of our commitment to Securing a Vibrant Jewish Future, the Jewish Federation upholds the value of ezrachut or civic engagement by advocating for the needs, safety and livelihoods of the Jewish people.
“Through the establishment of the Center to Combat Antisemitism, the Jewish Federation is increasing our capacity to meet the escalating crisis of rising antisemitism through a focused and systematized response. To effectively address antisemitism, we need to engage all sectors of society to combat the pervasive nature of this hate.”
– Jason Holtzman, Director Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Jewish Community Relations Council
THE REALITY
Since Oct. 7, 2023, there has been an unprecedented rise in antisemitism and threats against Jews and the Jewish community. Recent audits by the AntiDefamation League (ADL), Secure Communities Network (SCN), and FBI confirm a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents, with Pennsylvania among the hardest hit.
1,009 antisemitic bomb threats in 2023, the largest number ever recorded in the U.S.*
* According to Secure Community Network (SCN)
8,873 recorded antisemitic incidents, a 140% increase in the U.S. from 2022 vs. 2023.**
Ranked 5th
Pennsylvania rated among the highest antisemitic harassment incidents when compared to the rest of the U.S.*
** According to Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
THE JEWISH FEDERATION’S COMMITMENT TO COMBATING ANTISEMITISM
The Jewish Federation is uniquely positioned to lead this vital work, dedicating significant resources to combating antisemitism locally. Currently, 100% of the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) resources focus on responding to antisemitic events, aiding community members on how to navigate antisemitism, hosting programs to raise awareness and lobbying with government officials on addressing the rise in Jewish hate. More than 50% of the Jewish Federation’s marketing efforts focus on combating antisemitism.
4+ billion
people have been exposed through the media to the Jewish Federation’s work to combat antisemitism and unify the community since Oct. 7.
Resolution
23076
The Jewish Federation’s JCRC advocated for the passage at Philadelphia City Council, condemning Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel.
ABOUT THE JEWISH FEDERATION’S JCRC
10,000+ community members and 100+ solidarity partners participated in Jewish Federation rallies, marches and vigils in the two weeks following Oct. 7 to stand in solidarity with Israel and stand against antisemitism.
The Jewish Federation’s JCRC is composed of civic-minded individuals and local Jewish agencies involved in advocacy and public affairs, who engage in issues that are important to the Jewish community.
WORKING TOGETHER AGAINST HATE
Unlike national organizations with regional offices, the Jewish Federation can react swiftly and decisively. We are not burdened by the need for national approval before taking action, allowing us to address local needs with greater nimbleness. Since Oct. 7, the Greater Philadelphia Jewish community has turned to the Jewish Federation to convene and lead the way in combating antisemitism.
The Jewish Federation frequently collaborates to address the rise and spread of antisemitism with a coalition of partners to combat antisemitism and support Israel, including:
American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)
American Jewish Committee (AJC)
Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
Board of Rabbis of Greater Philadelphia and Jewish Congregations
Consulate General of Israel in New York
Culture Changing Christians
The Deborah Project
Gratz College
Greater Philly Hillel
Hadassah
Hillel at Drexel University
Hillel at Temple University
Hillel International
Israeli American Council (IAC)
Israel on Campus Coalition
Jewish Community Relations Council of Southern New Jersey
Jewish Learning Venture
Jewish National Fund (JNF)
J Street
Kaiserman JCC
OpenDor Media
Penn Hillel
Red Banyon
StandWithUs
The Weitzman National Museum of
American Jewish History
Zionist Organization of America (ZOA)
HOW THE JEWISH FEDERATION PLANS TO
INCREASE ITS EFFORTS
We are committed to raising $6 million over the next three years to meet this historic challenge, with $2 million already secured. This funding would support five identified priority areas to focus our efforts to combat antisemitism in our Greater Philadelphia area:
1 Education: Enhancing Awareness and Countering Antisemitism
With increased resources, the Jewish Federation will elevate awareness of antisemitism - its history and contemporary challenges - through educational programs, rallies, symposiums and advocacy campaigns. JCRC will help lead these efforts, collaborating with organizations like
StandWithUs and the ADL to amplify the impact of existing school programs.
Enhanced resources will allow the Jewish Federation to:
• Continue to employ an education associate whose role is to build strong relationships with local schools, provide resources, support Jewish families facing issues and promote the safety of Jewish students.
• Conduct 3-5 annual antisemitism awareness training sessions for school faculty, staff, and students, with additional DEI presentations for private companies focused on Jewish history.
• Establish a forum for educators, communicators, and community advocates to strategize, exchange resources, and share educational programs that counter misinformation and combat prejudice.
• Partner with other organizations to challenge antisemitic narratives in media and public discourse through strategic communication.
• Host a "Zionism Learning Series" for young Jewish professionals, empowering them to understand and reclaim the term "Zionism."
• Organize an Annual Symposium on Antisemitism, a city-wide event for students and community members to confront the rise in antisemitism.
2 Allyship: Building Solidarity and Promoting Mutual Understanding
Antisemitism affects all who value a free society. To effectively combat hate, the Jewish Federation seeks to deepen interfaith dialogue and foster allyship, uniting diverse groups in solidarity.
With increased resources, we will:
• Lead missions to Israel for faith-based community leaders to strengthen interfaith bonds.
• Organize advocacy trips to Washington, D.C., and Harrisburg, focusing on shared concerns with Black and Jewish communities.
• Host a city-wide conference to facilitate dialogue and collaboration between Black and Jewish communities on mutual issues.
• Celebrate interfaith holidays with diverse faith groups to foster connection and shared understanding.
• Strengthen relationships with Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist and other faith communities to promote unity and combat prejudice.
3 Convening Power and Community Mobilization: Leading the Fight Against Antisemitism
Since Oct. 7, the Jewish Federation has taken the lead in uniting our community to combat antisemitism. As the primary organizer and funder of rallies and gatherings, we have become the central point of contact for government officials, media and local partners.
• Host community-wide programs and rallies that attract large attendance.
• Partner with local congregations and agencies to increase promotion and outreach efforts.
• Implement strategic pre- and post-event marketing strategies for media coverage.
4 Legislation: Advocating for Policies to Protect Jewish Communities
The Jewish Federation, in partnership with key organizations, will engage with local, state, and federal stakeholders to promote policies that safeguard Jewish communities, combat antisemitism, and support Israel.
With additional resources, we will:
• Advocate for the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism in Harrisburg, expanding protections for Jewish individuals.
• Organize advocacy trips to Harrisburg and Washington, D.C., connecting community members with elected representatives to discuss key issues.
• Host two virtual training sessions to educate the community on pending legislation and ways to participate in advocacy efforts.
5 Litigation: Advocating for Justice and Protecting Rights
The Jewish Federation is collaborating with legal professionals and community leaders to address discrimination and protect the rights of Jewish community members and organizations.
Thanks to the Deborah Project’s willingness to provide pro bono legal services, we are able to do the following:
• Pursue civil rights litigation against the Philadelphia Public School system when officials fail to protect Jewish students from antisemitism.
• Provide rapid legal support by developing a resource database offering legal advice and assistance on antisemitism-related cases.
• Host four annual workshops and seminars for local attorneys, including Continuing Legal Education (CLE) opportunities, and offer briefings for community members on legal strategies to combat antisemitism.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
With your support, the Jewish Federation can do the work that is necessary to protect our Jewish community today and our future generations against hate. Your investment will support education, legislation, allyship and community mobilization. For more information please contact: Joel Schwarz, Senior Major Gift Officer 215.832.0544 or jschwarz@jewishphilly.org
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia mobilizes financial and volunteer resources to address the communities’ most critical priorities locally, in Israel and around the world.
