US President Joe Biden on Thursday announced what he said is the most ambitious and comprehensive undertaking by the US Government to fight hate, bias and violence against Jews, outlining more than 100 steps the administration and its partners can take to combat an alarming rise in anti-Semitism.
Speaking during a videotaped address at the White House, Biden said the first US National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism sends a “clear and forceful message” that “in America, evil will not win, hate will not prevail” and “the venom and violence of anti-Semitism will not be the story of our time”.
Months in the making, the strategy has four basic goals: increasing awareness and understanding of anti-Semitism, including its threat to America, and broadening appreciation of Jewish American heritage; improving safety and security for Jewish communities; reversing the normalisation of anti-Semitism and countering antisemitic discrimination; and building “cross-community” solidarity and collective action to counter hate.
Jewish organisations largely applauded the administration’s effort.
“Jewish safety is inextricably linked to the safety of other communities and the health and vibrancy of our multiracial democracy,” said Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. “As we see anti-Semitism and extremism increasingly normalised in our politics and our society, the urgency of this framework is even more clear.”
The strategy also calls on Congress, state and local governments, tech companies and other private businesses, faith leaders and others to help combat bias and hate directed at Jews.
Read the article by Darlene Superville in Sight Magazine.