Why Now?
In 2021, the U.S. experienced a disturbing upwards trend in incidents of antisemitism and efforts to delegitimize Israel. According to the American Jewish Committee’s report, The State of Antisemitism in America 2021, 41% of Americans witnessed an antisemitic incident in the past year, and 4 in 10 American Jews changed their behavior out of fear of antisemitism.
While Jews make up barely 2% of the U.S. population, the FBI’s 2020 hate crime statistics showed that crimes targeting Jews comprised 54.9% of all religious bias crimes.
Incidents of antisemitism reported directly to the Federation in 2021 more than tripled from prior years, but since hate crimes are historically underreported, we know that the actual number of antisemitic incidents is much higher.
Why Federation is Invested
As an organization committed to creating, sustaining, and safeguarding a flourishing and vibrant Jewish community, Federation witnesses firsthand how this uptick in antisemitism and anti-Israel hatred impacts the local Charlotte Jewish community.
We must act now to combat this rise in hate happening in our own backyard.
The Plan
Together with our partner agencies and community institutions, Federation seeks to address the need in the Charlotte Jewish community to identify and confront antisemitism and anti-Israel bias.
As Federation looks ahead to engaging key audiences like educators and the next generation, we are organizing and executing new programming and training based on five core areas of focus: Institutional and Communal Change, Educator Training and Professional Development, Community Education, Security, and Israel Travel and Exchanges.
We are in this together as a Jewish community, and we want to ensure that moving forward no one has to face these issues alone.
The Working Definition of Antisemitism
Jewish Federations embrace the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. To explain the benefits of the definition, what it does and does not do, and other pertinent information, we put together a collection of resources, written by our partner organizations.
The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism has become a widely used definition of antisemitism across the world since its adoption by 31 IHRA member countries in 2016.
Israel Action Network (IAN) FAQ About IHRA
Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) Antisemitism and IHRA Backgrounder
Report an Antisemitic Incident
Have you experienced or observed an incident of antisemitism, extremism, bias, bigotry or hate?
Federation and the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), have partnered with ADL to track and monitor incidents of antisemitism in greater Charlotte area. Reporting these incidents allows us to better identify any trends and educate law enforcement partners, elected officials, and faith partners while advocating for stronger protections from incidents and crimes. Furthermore, reporting an incident empowers every member of our community to feel that what they are experiencing is not going to go unnoticed.
Together we will track and combat these incidents as we learn about them.
To report an incident contact Tair Giudice at tair.giudice@jewishcharlotte.org or fill out this form on ADL’s website and Federation’s JCRC will be notified. Any personal information provided will be kept strictly confidential.
Resources
Antisemitism comes in many forms and is identified differently. Start by taking some time to learn what it is and how you can identify it.
Creating Space for Conversation and Questions
- How to Talk to Children About Antisemitism (PJ Library)
- How Should You Talk to Your Child About the Holocaust (Psychology Today)
- Antisemitism Today: A Table Talk for Parents/Families - Recommended ages 12 and up (ADL)
- Empowering Young People in the Aftermath of Hate (ADL)
Learning about antisemitism
- Antisemitism Uncovered & Antisemitism Uncovered Toolkit (ADL)
- Antisemitism in the 21st Century (MyJewishLearning.com)
- Antisemitism & Religious Intolerance (Facing History and Ourselves)
- Unpacked for Educators: Antisemitism (OpenDor Media)
Anti-Israel, Anti-Zionism and Antisemitism
Criticism of Israel or of the policies of the Israeli government is not automatically antisemitic. However, often times anti-Israel animus can become a form of antisemitism, separate and apart from criticism of Israel.
Is anti-Zionism the same as antisemitism? (OpenDor Media)
What Is… Anti-Israel, Anti-Semitic, Anti-Zionist? (ADL)
8 Ways Some Anti-Israel Protests Have Spread Antisemitism (AJC)
Anti BDS Toolkit (IAN)
The New Antisemitism and the Three Ds (Echoes & Reflections)
Ways to Take Action
Urge Congress to Double Funding for Nonprofit Security Grant
The Nonprofit Security Grant Program has been an important tool to help secure Jewish and other communities that face regular threats to their safety and well-being.