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ABA Presidential task force to Counter Antisemitism

The Bar’s Role in the US Strategy and Global Guidelines To Combat Antisemitism

Mark Schickman and Barbara Mayden, CoChairs

The ABA  Presidential Task Force To Combat Antisemitism is hard at work to mobilize America’s 1.3 million lawyers in the fight against antisemitism, as the scourge of hatred against Jews grows. We are not alone doing so. Our partners in this effort include the United States Government and more than 30 other Western nations which have recently published national and international guidelines and strategies to mobilize civil society in  the fight against antisemitism, including specific roles for lawyers and bar associations.

On July 17, 2024, Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism (the Special Envoy), introduced the Global Guidelines For Countering Antisemitism (the Global Guidelines), a joint project of over 30 Western nations. She noted that the Guidelines reflect the need for “collective action against hate” by “civic and faith coalitions, and all people of conscience.”  On that same day  Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said, “The Guidelines identify practical actions that governments, international bodies, civil society organizations, and people of conscience everywhere can take against antisemitism wherever and whenever it occurs.”  

The thrust of the guidelines is already part of the May 2023 U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism (the National Strategy), a 60-page blueprint for our nation’s strategic opposition to antisemitism. Both the Global Guidelines and the National Strategy present an agenda for action by all sectors of society that we as lawyers have a [particular] responsibility to undertake in the fight against antisemitism.

Ambassador Lipstadt made clear that antisemitism is a threat not only to Jews but, rather, “Antisemitism, like other hatreds, poses threats beyond its immediate targets. A threat to one group also threatens society writ large. Antisemitism…is a threat to Jews, to democracy, to the rule of law, and to international security and stability. History tells us that when antisemitism is left to rage – or worse, when it is exploited and fanned for political purposes – democratic life, trust in public institutions, and national security is also imperiled.”

The Guidelines and the National Strategy call for a “whole of government” and a “whole of society” approach. They call upon each of us to “ SPEAK OUT – to denounce antisemitism swiftly, clearly, and unequivocally, whenever and wherever it occurs, without political bias and regardless of its origin.”

They call for a whole-of-society commitment  – Countering antisemitism requires a whole-of-society commitment that includes the active participation of civil society. Collaboration; bridge-building; nurturing trust among faith, civic, and cultural leaders; and fostering mutual understanding are essential, particularly since antisemitism is not solely a threat to Jews.

The Guidelines note that “Education is vital for identifying and countering antisemitism, including Holocaust remembrance and countering Holocaust denial and distortion, an especially pernicious form of antisemitism. It has also proven effective in sensitizing law enforcement. Education about Jewish culture and contributions to society demystifies Jews and Judaism.”

The National Strategy broadly presents an action plan for civil society that we, as lawyers and public citizens, have a special responsibility to fulfill:

Pillar 1: Increase Awareness and Understanding of Antisemitism, Including its Threat to America, and Broaden Appreciation of Jewish American Heritage

Civil society must increase understanding and raise awareness about antisemitism, reaching Americans wherever they are. It is essential to engage people in their communities and through trusted networks and interlocutors to help them identify and learn about antisemitism. To educate the public about both antisemitism and Jewish American heritage, we need …  dedicated efforts by public figures, community leaders, and media outlets.

Pillar 3: Reverse the Normalization of Antisemitism and Counter Antisemitic Discrimination     Whole-of-Society Calls to Action

Strategic Goal 3.1—Speak Out Forcefully Against Antisemitic Speech and Conduct, and Increase Accountability for Antisemitism -- America must beat back and overwhelm hateful and antisemitic speech with a powerful chorus that rejects it, especially when it is spread by public figures. America will not be silent…. To roll back the normalization of antisemitism, however, there should be meaningful accountability for antisemitic conduct, both online and in person, including vigorous and timely enforcement of existing laws and standards.

  • We call on bar associations and other legal networks to increase awareness of legal authorities prohibiting antisemitic and related forms of discrimination, including by convening discussions of such authorities and producing resources on them.
  • We call on bar associations and other legal networks to increase awareness of legal authorities requiring or permitting religious accommodations for Jews and people of other faiths, including by convening discussions of such authorities and producing resources on them.

Pillar 4: Build Cross-Community Solidarity and Collective Action to Counter Hate

It is essential that non-Jewish voices continue to speak out and intensify their efforts to combat antisemitism. These partners should reach into their own communities to explain the gravity and depravity of antisemitism, and also address specific instances of antisemitism that may arise. A diversity of voices and actors signals that antisemitism is not just a problem for Jews, but for all.

  • We call on civil society organizations at the national, regional, and local levels to identify evidence-based cross-community solidarity-building efforts and work to advance them in communities across the U.S.

The Task Force thanks, and  applauds the efforts of, the White House, the Department of State, and the Special Envoy to develop and build support for the Global Guidelines and the National Strategy. We accept their challenge, look forward to working with the United states Government and its coalition partners in the fight against antisemitism, and  will work to bring to that effort the skills and persuasive power of America’s lawyers.