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Date: 4/11/2023
SPRINGFIELD — In an effort to promote unity against antisemitism, the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts joined the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism’s new national campaign, #StandUpToJewishHate, on March 27. The campaign is sponsored through a $25 million investment to the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
“The #StandUpToJewishHate campaign is designed to raise awareness for the fight against antisemitism, specifically among non-Jewish audiences, and to help all Americans understand that there is a role for each of us to play in combating a problem that is, unfortunately, all too prevalent in communities across the country today,” said Kraft.
Antisemitism remains prevalent in the United States. While people of the Jewish faith only make up 2.4% of the population, they are the victims of 55% of religious-based hate crimes, according to FBI statistics from 2020.
Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts Donor Impact Officer Bobby Naimark considers the figure a distressing reality.
“It’s mind-boggling … With the amount of antisemitism present, we just want to feel like we’re in a safe community,” said Naimark in an interview with Reminder Publishing.
Naimark shared that antisemitism is especially problematic in Massachusetts, with the state experiencing the second biggest increase in antisemitic hate crimes between 2021 and 2022. To stand up against the problematic behaviors, Naimark stressed the importance of unity. He said the federation continues to work with interfaith partners to make the campaign impactful on a local level.
Education is another key component of the movement. Naimark said bigoted behaviors often derive from a lack of education on the subject matter. According to a Wunderman Thompson SONAR poll, 52% of American adults said they do not believe antisemitism is a problem in the United States.
“We would be a more peaceful world if there was more education on our differences,” said Naimark.
The federation is encouraging the public to participate in the movement through a variety of avenues, including:
Post and share a blue square emoji — an emoji already available on most smartphones — as a hashtag across social media alongside a message of support for the Jewish community and commitment to stand up to Jewish hate.
Activate your network by making them aware of the #StandUpToJewishHate campaign and how they can use a blue square as a powerful symbol of solidarity with the Jewish community.
Tell your story to followers on social media, describing an instance where you’ve either encountered antisemitism and how it affected you or witnessed someone standing up against hatred towards Jews.
Visit www.StandUpToJewishHate.org and subscribe to the Foundation’s “From the Command Center” e-newsletter to keep up to date on how antisemitism is spreading online, learn ways to identify and report it, and find helpful tools and resources around antisemitism.
Follow the #StandUpToJewishHate campaign at @StandUpToJewishHate on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to keep up-to-date with movement and learn more about antisemitism.
Report antisemitism immediately when you see it, and if it is an emergency, dial 911. You can learn more about how best to report antisemitism by visiting www.StandUpToJewishHate.org.
The movement has already received support from national organizations, such as the League of Women Voters, Urban League, National Governors Association and the Anti-Defamation League. It is also showcased on popular TV programing, like “Good Morning America” and “The Voice.”
The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts also continues to grow their practices. Naimark said the organization recently created the Jewish Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Council that amplifies a positive community spirit for local members of the Jewish faith.
Naimark and the federation hope these efforts will send a strong message against antisemitism.
“Now, more than ever, we need to stand up against and speak out against the antisemitism facing the Jewish community in Western Massachusetts and the nation,” said Naimark.
Readers can learn more about the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts at https://jewishwesternmass.org/.