Anti-Jewish sentiment was present in the ancient world and has survived uninterrupted to the present day. Throughout centuries of our history, Jews have been the subject of scorn, persecution, and discrimination. While America has been a haven for the world’s Jews, it is not immune to the scourge of antisemitism. Alarmingly, within the last several years, reported incidents of antisemitism have been on the rise. Recognizing this trend is critical because an increase in antisemitism is often an early indicator of a threat to democracy. As lawyers, we have a special duty to defend against such threats and to protect our democracy.
On February 6, 2023, the ABA House of Delegates overwhelmingly adopted Resolution 514 mandating that the ABA take a leadership role in opposing antisemitism. Several state and local bars have already set an example by joining the ABA’s fight. In this webinar, you learn about the history of antisemitism, the danger it poses to democracy, why lawyers should respond, and why and how your bar association should become engaged. The focus is on what your state and local bar association can and should do to fight antisemitism.
Sponsored by the ABA Task Force to Combat Antisemitism; Co-Sponsored by the ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice.
Resources
- Report and Recommendations of the New York State Bar Association Task Force on Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Asian Hate,
- "Combating Antisemitism: The Pennsylvania Bar Association Experience,"Jay N. Silberblatt, Esq., PBA President 2022-2023
- On-Demand Video: Loathing – The History and Tolerance of Antisemitism, April 13, 2023, Pennsylvania Bar Institute
- Online Guide: Student Guide to Reporting Antisemitism On Campus - Jewish Bar Association of New Jersey
- Article: Defining Antisemitism in the Garden State - New Jersey State Bar Foundation
