Addressing the rising tide of antisemitism
August 3, 2021
The ADL reported in a survey this past summer that 60% of American Jews personally witnessed antisemitic behavior or comments, and over 40% felt more concerned about personal safety in June than they did in early May. The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the Jewish Federation of San Antonio are taking action to fight the rising tide of antisemitism.
- The JCRC joined a coalition of Jewish groups statewide to support a bill establishing the creation of the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission and the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.
- The JCRC invited Governor Abbott to speak to the Jewish community and hosted a panel of legislators to discuss addressing antisemitism and hate crimes in the 2021 Texas legislative session.
- JCRC Chair, Mina Lopez, spoke about fighting antisemitism and all forms of hate at the Stop Asian Hate Rally on May 31 in San Antonio. Lopez told the gathering, “History has shown that racism and hate cannot be a Jewish or an American Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) issue alone, but one that requires a collective response from all of society to not stand idly by.”
- On May 31st, the JCRC joined with Jewish agencies across the country for a virtual Day of Action Against Antisemitism.
- The Jewish Federation, JCRC, San Antonio Jewish Congregations and agencies released a statement about the rise in antisemitism and shared their concern with public officials and other faith and minority groups.
- The JCRC advocated for important Hate Crimes Legislation passed by Congress in May.
- The JCRC, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of San Antonio, the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio, and Senator José Menéndez, released a statement condemning the antisemitic remarks of a US Congressperson in January.
- The JCRC provided two programs for teens and young adults to address the rising antisemitism with their peers.
- In June, the Jewish Federation of San Antonio convened the leaders of the Jewish community agencies and synagogues for a briefing with the FBI on the latest threats of antisemitism.
- The JCRC continues to preserve and maintain the integrity of the Jewish people and fight against all forms of hate.
To learn more about the programs of the JCRC, contact Lisa Epstein, JCRC Director, at EpsteinL@jfsatx.org.