2023 was by far the worst year for antisemitic incidents since
@ADL
began recording in 1979. We saw an astronomical increase across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Read the newly released ADL annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents
Protestors have unlawfully occupied the rotunda of the Capitol today. Our Regional Director
@mermirmanweisel
clearly stated that these far-left radical organizations do not represent the overwhelming majority of the Jewish community. Read our statement:
We are deeply concerned about reports that an art and music festival in Williamsburg canceled a menorah lighting reportedly to not “take sides” in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Holding Jewish people responsible for the actions of the Israeli government is textbook antisemitism.
Thread🧵: We are disgusted by the actions of Patriot Front today in DC. This white supremacist group known for its flash demonstrations marched on the National Mall carrying banners spewing their hateful rhetoric. (1/3)
We're horrified 3rd grade students were instructed to re-enact scenes from the Holocaust. Simulation activities trivialize the experience of victims & often reinforce stereotypes. We'll be providing resources & support to help promote healing & education.
Sunrise Movement DC is refusing participation in a voting rights rally because of the presence of “Zionist organizations.”
This is the vilification of Jewish nationhood and a litmus test for all who support it.
This is antisemitic – plain and simple.
Very disturbed to learn about this hateful incident that took place overnight at the TKE fraternity house on GWU’s campus. We’ve spoken with students & reached out to campus PD. We expect a full & rapid investigation.
The Jewish frat house at George Washington University was broken into and its Torah was destroyed.
They ripped the scrolls apart and threw detergent on it.
This isn’t Nazi Germany in 1938.
It’s American college campuses in 2021.
We are horrified by this reported assault of a Jewish man inside a grocery store in Montgomery County and have been in touch with the family to assist and offer support.
@mermirmanweisel
Very concerning that
@SenLouiseLucas
received racist & hateful threats. No one should be subjected to this hate. Our
@mermirmanweisel
spoke w/
@KatieKingCST
about the uptick in threats against marginalized communities & trends
@ADL
is seeing. Full story:
Once again, the Jewish community is the target of unfettered hate as seen in horrific messages in Bethesda today. We are working with Law Enforcement to find the source. Hate has no place here. If you have anything to report, please fill out this form .
In response to the Wednesday night anti-Semitic outburst in Baltimore at a performance of Fiddler - we
@ADL_WashDC
are dismayed that criminal charges were not filed, and call on the authorities to bring appropriate criminal charges for this threatening and intimidating act.
At last night’s
@IsraelinUSA
Hanukkah reception, a somber event focused on hostages still in Gaza, we were harassed by screaming protesters. Our Regional Director
@mermirmanweisel
spoke out today about the importance of being a light in this darkness.
#BeTheLight
#BringThemHome
Since 2019, Patriot Front has been responsible for the vast majority of white supremacist propaganda distributions in the US. The group has neo-Nazi roots, and held four large demonstrations in several cities in 2022. We strongly condemn their presence and messages of hate. (2/3)
Congratulations to
@kasparov63
- who will receive the 2020 ADL International Leadership Award at
#NeverIsNow
on Nov 19.
@HRF
chairman,
@Renew_Democracy
founder, & world chess champion, Garry Kasparov emulates creativity and leadership on the world stage.
Our backgrounds are diverse, our voices are strong. Faith leaders and elected officials from across the DMV stand together at Washington Hebrew Congregation
#UnitedtoLove
as we commit to confront hatred and bigotry today and every day.
Authorities arrested a man for threatening to burn down a predominantly Black church in VA, days after a church leader participated in a vigil & demonstration for
#GeorgeFloyd
. Threats will not silence the voices speaking out against hate.
Pro-Israel students have felt increasingly under attack at
@GWtweets
. With the appointment of a supporter of the academic boycott of Israel as an interim dean, we urge GWU to make clear that pro-Israel perspectives & activism will be protected on campus.
We welcome the passage of the “End Antisemitism Order” by the GW student senate. This establishes a task force to look into the rise of antisemitism on campus through the initiative and voices of GW students. Read more: .
We strongly condemn a recent racist/sexist statement by VA Mayor Presgraves. His words play into racial stereotypes & perpetuate marginalization of Black women leaders. His apology is insufficient & we ask him to learn about racial injustice in the US.
We are appalled by new model policies in VA that rollback protections for transgender students. School policies should embrace, not restrict, our students’ identities. We urge our community to speak up & push back against these measures. Find out how: .
Thank you
@NC_Governor
for vetoing
#HB370
. This dangerous anti-immigrant bill requires sheriffs to become entangled in
#ICE
enforcement & would only stoke fear & mistrust locally, while harming immigrant communities. The
#NCGA
must allow the veto to stand.
Further, the apparent conflation of support for Israel with a menorah lighting, where we usher in the light amidst the darkness, is deeply problematic. We are in touch with local partners and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
The actions of 311 Speedway owner Mike Fulp to sell “Bubba Ropes” online is racist & shouldn't be tolerated. This happens days after
@NASCAR
officials released a photo of the rope found in
@BubbaWallace
's garage stall that prompted a federal investigation.
Thank you to everyone who attended last night’s
#ConcertAgainstHate
. It was an inspiring evening of hope and resilience because of you, our honorees, and talent! We can’t wait until next year!
Incredible news NC! Holocaust education & antisemitism defined. Council on the Holocaust Vice Chair Rich Schwartz & Chair Michael Abramson play key role in passage w/support of former Rep.Johnson,Rep.Elmore, Speaker Moore, Pres.Pro-Tem Berger, & Gov.Cooper.
We strongly condemn NC Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson for his abhorrent remarks about the LGBTQ+ community. This hatred is never acceptable. Our elected representatives should be fighting hate, not spreading it.
.
@RepAndyHarrisMD
it's not a crime to seek asylum in the United States. It is unconscionable to tear children from their parents, & the impact of the
#ZeroTolerance
policy on their development will last a lifetime. This is not what our country stands for.
#FamiliesBelongTogether
We remain committed to achieving our goal of uniting all
#50StatesAgainstHate
, and this week, Virginia took important steps to provide protections to hate crime victims targeted based on gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or a disability.
We welcome the charges brought against one of the perpetrators in the attack on a Jewish man at a Giant grocery store in January. With antisemitism on the rise, the need to teach the history & lessons of the Holocaust could not be more urgent.
Thank you to law enforcement for its swift action in arresting Jeffrey Clark Jr before any kind of violence was attempted--the allegations are disturbing. We must remain aware, vigilant & proactive in keeping our communities safe from right-wing extremism:
Olam Chesed Yibaneh - This world will be built by love. Tonight we came together
@adasisraeldc
to remember the 11 victims of the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue. We must recommit to building resilient, strong and connected communities to overcome fear, hate and bigotry.
On July 13th, a home in Treyburn, NC was vandalized with racist and antisemitic graffiti. This act of hate is appalling and shouldn’t be tolerated. We call on
@TheDurhamPolice
to carry out a full investigation and bring the perpetrator to justice.
Today, VA’s General Assembly voted to ratify the
#ERANOW
. While more work remains to achieve gender equity, this is a momentous occasion for all who share in
@ADL
’s timeless mission to secure
#justice
and fair treatment to all.
STATEMENT:
@ADL_National
,
@NAACP
,
@LWV
, and
@MuslimAdvocates
join together on the anniversary of Unite the Right: "We believe there is strength and beauty in our diversity, and that love, not hate, is the way to unite our country." Read more:
In light of the horrific incident of antisemitism reported last week at Watkins ES,
@ADL_WashDC
,
@JCRCgw
&
@AJCGlobal
are working w/ the school community &
@dcpublicschools
system to swiftly address the situation. Here is our joint statement:
As we reflect on the first anniversary of the tragic shooting at the Tree of Life Syangogue, let us respond with resolve and action.
Proud to partner with
@JCCofNoVA
w/ the support of
@JFGW
to train community leaders & student activists to confront & respond to
#Antisemitism
Yesterday, a confirmed KKK leader drove his car into a crowd of peaceful protesters. We cannot allow these hateful tactics and dangerous ideologies to threaten those protesting. Justice should be swift. Our thoughts go out to those impacted.
In our open letter, we state that the University "must work to swiftly conclude its investigation into this incident...and take immediate steps to reinstate SSI as a formally recognized student group." Read more here:
As we continue to remember & recover from the Tree of Life shooting, we are disturbed to see the anti-Semitic defacement of a mural honoring the victims at
@DukeU
.
Thank you
@RepRaskin
for speaking with
@ADL_WashDC
activists about our commitment to fighting anti-Semitism & hate in our society, and educating the next generation to embrace diversity and inclusion in our schools & communities.
We at
@ADL_WashDC
are truly thankful to our Kay Family Award Honorees and Levenson Defenders of Democracy – for their commitment to fighting hate for good each and everyday.
ADL Statement on anti-Semitic social media comments from Virginia Congressional Candidate and Georgetown grad student.
Thank you
@J_Insider
on your reporting.
We are so excited to announce our first ADL In Concert Against Hate Honoree! Meet Kim Klett, a recently retired high school English teacher in Arizona, who made it her life’s work to advocate for Holocaust education.
The intimidating notes & suspicious packages sent to 3 Baltimore-area synagogues are deeply concerning & threaten the safety & security of these communities.
@ADL_WashDC
commends the response by public safety officials & is monitoring their investigation
We have another ADL In Concert Against Hate announcement! We are thrilled to share that Broadway star Micaela Diamond will perform on October 30!. The actress and singer recently received a 2023 Tony Award nomination for her role in the acclaimed musical revival of “Parade.”
We’re disgusted to see the hateful, antisemitic, racist, and homophobic graffiti found at South Riding shopping center in Loudoun County. These types of incidents are becoming too prevalent in our communities.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a vandalism in South Riding involving hateful, racist rhetoric. There is no place in society for this behavior. Anyone with any information that may be helpful, please call Detective Fornwalt at 703-777-1021. Thank you.
We were made aware of a swastika found on the campus of Duke University earlier today. You can find our statement in response below and reporting on the story here:
We are very disturbed to hear about the inflammatory anti-Israel rhetoric expressed on campus
@DukeU
. The free exchange of ideas on campus is essential, but when speech crosses into hate & when students are mocked for expressing concern regarding their safety, we must speak out.
Incredible news that MD OAG
@brianfrosh
was awarded DOJ grant to develop comprehensive approaches to fight increases in hate crimes. We're proud to have advocated for this grant application through our advocacy work in combatting hate & bias incidents.
Thread: A historic day
@councilofdc
unanimously passes resolution to condemn antisemitism. This marks the 1st sense of Council condemnation of antisemitism. Thankful for the leadership of
@BrianneKNadeau
& the entire Council for their support. Statement:
The ADL Washington, DC Regional Office issued the following statement today in response to the presence of Nazi comparisons at Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich’s press conference on the reopening and moving to phase 1.
We've been made aware of antisemitic graffiti at
@AmericanU
- 2 swastikas, Nazi SS bolts and a Star of David drawn in a dorm bathroom
We’re reaching out to the university to ask how they will address this incident and offer our support.
@jonallen93_
's comments about Hitler, a man whose reign of terror can’t be overlooked, are concerning. In the spirit of
#CounselCulture
, we at
@ADL_WashDC
welcome the opportunity to have a conversation w/
@jonallen93_
to understand why this was hurtful & should not be repeated.
Let’s not forget: Hitler was responsible for the mass genocide of six million Jews in the Holocaust & millions of others. Any honest appraisal of his reign of terror during WWII cannot overlook how he & the Nazis sought to annihilate the Jews of Europe.
#NeverAgain
Closely monitoring UNC Chapel Hill elective course "The Conflict Over Israel/Palestine." We share Hillel's concerns about past anti-Israel comments made by the instructor. It's important to ensure all perspectives are respected and heard during class.
We are deeply disappointed that a majority of NC legislators voted to override a veto and enact a series of measures that will significantly restrict the rights of LGBTQ+ people. These measures target children in a time where we know LGBTQ+ youth are exceedingly vulnerable.
Today, the NC House and Senate voted to override Governor Cooper’s vetoes of HB 808 (a youth gender-affirming care ban), SB 49 (a “Don’t Say Gay” bill), and HB 574 (a trans sports ban). They will now become law. (🧵)
MSA’s attack on Hillel’s pro-Israel stance and its effort to hold the organization accountable for the actions of the Israeli government and military, is nothing less than a tired antisemitic trope of holding Jews accountable for the actions of another government.
This Wed, some congressional offices were put on lockdown & 6 officers were injured during a JVP & If Not Now protest outside DNC headquarters. We continue to be concerned by these radical anti-Israel groups & the way their actions impact our communities.
We condemn this deplorable act of
#antisemitic
#hate
at a
#Baltimore
Jewish cemetery this past weekend. Desecrating gravestones with swastikas is cowardly and unacceptable, impacting all corners of the community. We join in urging a thorough investigation.
Absolutely horrified by video footage showing Montgomery County police officers detain, belittle & berate, then place handcuffs on a distraught 5-year-old child. Absolutely no excuse for this behavior and we join in calling for accountability and justice.
ADL In Concert Against Hate honors heroes in the fight against intolerance & extremism. Join us October 30 in DC for a special night of music, community & celebration packed w/ spectacular, can’t-miss performances. Learn more & buy tickets here:
We are disappointed to learn about
@AmericanU
’s MSA Chapter invoking antisemitic tropes & withdrawing from
@AUHillel
’s interfaith Seder this past weekend.
As of today, my bill HB 2132 (2021) is now in effect.
The LGBTQ+ panic defense is now prohibited in Virginia.
(And, yes, this will apply to the murder in Blacksburg.)
Disturbing to learn that white supremacist graffiti was found at Walter Johnson HS & in Bethesda. There is no place for hateful language in our community. We're monitoring the situation, appreciate the school’s quick response & call for an investigation.
We are proud of Regional Director
@mermirmanweisel
’s appointment to
@OAGMaryland
newly formed Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention. ADL strongly advocated for this much-needed group. We applaud Maryland’s continued effort to address hate crimes within the state.
Today my office announced appointments to the newly formed Maryland Commission on Hate Crime Response & Prevention. The Commission is composed of 20 stakeholders from law enforcement, state & local orgs representing communities targeted by hate crimes
Our Regional Director,
@mermirmanweisel
spoke this Saturday at
#MOW60
on the bias incidents seen in our community and the need for a multi-layered approach with our community partners to stand up to hate.
#FightHateForGood
In recent months, there has been an increase of incidents throughout the entire DC, MD, NC and VA region. Most recently, hateful graffiti on buildings, swastikas at schools, and antisemitic fliers distributed by the Goyim Defense League in neighborhoods.
.
@ADL_WashDC
Reg Dir.
@doron_ezickson
: “We will confront the division sown by the racism and xenophobia of others…by working toward a shared and ultimate vision of equality and dignity for people of all faiths.”
Potentially dangerous QAnon theories have been getting a lot of attention in the media lately.
@ADL
’s Center on Extremism has been keeping a close eye on this conspiracy-obsessed movement. Read more about QAnon here:
Today,
@ADL_WashDC
Regional Dir
@doron_ezickson
sent a letter to
@NC_Governor
Roy Cooper urging him to veto HB 370—a bill that deputizes local law enforcement to report and detain individuals for ICE.
Read our full statement and letter here:
We are disturbed by this story of a trans student being singled out during a school safety drill in VA.
@ADL_WashDC
is committed to working with students, teachers, admins & parents to ensure that all schools are safe & inclusive for LGBTQ+ people.
Congratulations to our Regional Director
@mermirmanweisel
for being named as a member of AG
@JasonMiyaresVA
taskforce on antisemitism. We applaud AG Miyares for his leadership in assembling this amazing group of leaders to address the continued threat of antisemitism.
We are thrilled to announce that Meredith Weisel
@mermirmanweisel
has been appointed as the new Regional Director of
@ADL_WashDC
. Meredith will be the first woman to lead the D.C. office & we're excited for what's to come. Our full statement here:
Targeting Jewish students & institutions in this manner with demonizing rhetoric related to Israel is antisemitic, period. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first incident of this nature
@GWtweets
. We fully support
@GWHillel
and condemn this hatred.
Regional Director,
@mermirmanweisel
says, "There is no magic wand to wave to undo the irreparable harm that antisemitism & hate cause, but we can stand up to it by establishing a multi-layered approach with our government, schools, & the community at-large.”
A must-read article from
@JTAnews
interviewing
@JoyousJustice
,
@temasmith
,
@yitzjordan
and others about the perspective of Black Jews, their feelings at this moment, and what their message is for the broader Jewish community.
The initial outbreak of COVID-19 saw increased scapegoating, online threats and even physical harm targeting marginalized groups. As the Omicron variant spreads, so does the potential for renewed acts of bigotry. If you witness an incident, report it here.