Center to Combat Antisemitism Proposal Fall 24

Securing a Vibrant Jewish Future Center to Combat Antisemitism Proposal FALL 2024

We are grateful for 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. Each campus has its own story based on its culture and its administration's response given that culture. 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 Secure 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.*

8,873

recorded antisemitic incidents across the U.S. in 2023, which represents a 140% increase from 2022**

* According to Secure Community Network (SCN)

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

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

JCRC drafted and advocated for the passage at Philadelphia City Council, which condemns Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel.

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 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.

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 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:

Education: Enhancing Awareness and Countering Antisemitism

Litigation: Advocating for Justice and Protecting Rights

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

The Jewish Federation is collaborating with legal professionals and community leaders to address discrimination and protect the rights of Jewish community members and organizations.

StandWithUs and the ADL to amplify the impact of existing school programs.

• Pursue civil rights litigation against the Philadelphia Public School system when officials fail to protect Jewish students from antisemitism.

Enhanced resources will allow the Jewish Federation to: • Hire an education associate 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.

With additional resources, we will:

• 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.

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:

• Host a "Zionism Learning Series" for young Jewish professionals, empowering them to understand and reclaim the term "Zionism."

• Advocate for the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism in Harrisburg, expanding protections for Jewish individuals.

• Organize an Annual Symposium on Antisemitism, a city-wide event for students and community members to confront the rise in antisemitism.

• Organize three 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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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, litigation, legislation, allyship and community mobilization.

For more information, please contact: Joel Schwarz, Senior Major Gifts Officer jschwarz@jewishphilly.org or 215.832.0544

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.

Two Commerce Square, 2001 Market Street, Suite 2300, Philadelphia, PA 19103

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