An appeal for safety, equality & human dignity

Year after year, as generations change after the most devastating war in history — in which millions perished — humanity once again risks forgetting the past, allowing seemingly extinguished currents of hatred to stir back to life, chief among them the oldest and most dangerous: anti-Semitism.

Our goal is to persuade the communities of New York and other American cities to speak out against anti-Semitic policy and public rhetoric. The most convincing arguments rest on shared values and concrete facts — not on emotion or personal attacks — and on a broad coalition that appeals to common civic values rather than the interests of any single group.

The Assembly of the World Diasporas can play an important role here. For many years it has brought together leaders of different faiths, ethnic groups and diasporas living in the United States and, acting on principles of equality and tolerance, has achieved meaningful results.

The directions of our work

• Safety of all communities. If authorities tolerate hostility toward one group, it sets a dangerous precedent for every minority.
• Equality before the law. Jews should enjoy the same protection from discrimination and hatred as members of any other ethnic, religious or social group.
• A city of diversity. New York has historically united people of different nationalities, religions and views. Policies that encourage division or tolerate hatred contradict that tradition.
• Consistency against hatred. If society condemns racism, Islamophobia, anti-Asian prejudice and other forms of discrimination, anti-Semitism must be condemned just as firmly.
• Protection of civil rights. This concerns not only the Jewish community, but the principle of protecting religious freedom and minority rights as a whole.

Speaking to every community

For different audiences, the emphasis may differ:

• African-American organizations — the shared history of the struggle against discrimination, and the importance of solidarity among minorities.
• Latino communities — equality, the safety of families, and the protection of the rights of immigrants and religious groups.
• Asian communities — combating hate crimes and protecting all minorities.
• Muslim communities — equal protection from religious hatred, regardless of whom it targets.
• Unions and civic organizations — social cohesion and the rejection of discrimination in the workplace and in public life.
• Business — the stability, safety and reputation of great cities such as New York and Chicago as open and welcoming places.

Building the case

An effective campaign must rest on specific statements, decisions or initiatives, and explain clearly why they are of concern. It should also demonstrate, with evidence, the immense financial, political, social, scientific, medical and humanitarian support that Jewish individuals and organizations have provided over the centuries — and especially today — to Palestinians, Africans, Latin Americans and disadvantaged communities around the world. Without concrete examples, many people may not accept the premise.

The work ahead

Preventing ethnic genocide, the growth of interethnic hatred, anti-Semitism and another Holocaust requires sustained, serious organizational work — and therefore significant resources. These exist not only in government funds and agencies, but also in the many diaspora and immigrant associations, including respected Jewish organizations, that share these goals.

— The Board of Directors,
Assembly of the World Diasporas