Anti-Defamation

The Anti-Defamation League, otherwise known as the ADL is an organization founded in 1913 that professes “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.”

Although they fight against all types of discrimination, the Anti-Defamation League primarily fights for the antisemitism cause.  They profess to do this through “information, education, legislation, and advocacy.”

Antisemitism is defined as prejudice towards Jews.  People who are antisemitic display hatred for the Jewish ethnic background, culture, and religion.  Antisemitism has been a problem throughout all the world and throughout all history, ranging from their expulsion from England and Spain to the notorious Holocaust.  It continues to be a problem in the United States, demonstrated by a 2009 Boston Review study that found 25% of non-Jewish Americans blamed the Jews for our recent recession.

The Anti-Defamation League had their own survey that concluded that 14% of U.S. residents had antisemitic views, with higher percentages held by the minority groups of Hispanics and African-Americans.  Their studies are only a part of the effort to stop antisemitism.

To combat antisemitism, the Anti-Defamation League incorporates many different avenues.  Below are some of the ways they fight antisemitism around the world.

1. The website

The Anti-Defamation League website is a hub of information and references that serves as a public informational and news database.  On their site they have important news issues that pertain to their interests, including foreign relations and wrongful organizations that promote antisemitism.  They include sections for opinions, press coverage, surveys, and “exposing antisemitic myths.”  They also have sections in their left navigation bar for education, civil rights, religious freedom, terrorism, and more.

2. Survey information

The Anti-Defamation League also fights antisemitism through their comprehensive research.  For example, on their website, they have survey reports that focus on antisemitism in America.  In 2007, they conducted a survey that showed antisemitism levels staying constant since 2005, and that “antisemitic beliefs endure in America.”  Additionally, they found that 31% of Americans believe Jews to be more loyal to Israel than America, 20% believe that Jews have too much power in the business world, and that more educated people are less likely to hold views akin to antisemitism.

3. Accepting donations and spreading the word

The Anti-Defamation League website offers a page where visitors can “take action.”  On this page, the issues they deem urgent have their own links that bring the user to a page of basic information and instructions to action.  For example, the most recent action against antisemitism is a letter to President Obama.  In the letter, the Anti-Defamation League tells the president that he should focus on avocation of the Arab recognition of Israel.  On the bottom of the page is a form to electronically sign the letter.

The Anti-Defamation League continues to fight against bigotry and promote justice.  Through their efforts fighting against antisemitism, they will continue to provide countless people with resources and information to fight along side them.