Is Liberalism a Luxury Jews Can't Afford? | Interview: Jonathan Greenblatt
Mar 4, 2025
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Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, advocates for a reinvention of the ADL amidst rising antisemitic violence. He explores the ADL's historical role and the complexities of alliances with marginalized communities. The conversation touches on the challenges of differentiating antisemitism from anti-Zionism and the urgency of strategic solidarity. Greenblatt also discusses the political landscape under the Trump administration and the ADL's responses to public figures like Elon Musk, emphasizing the need for compassion and thoughtful discourse.
Jonathan Greenblatt emphasizes the need for the ADL to reinvent itself and prioritize the immediate protection of the Jewish community amid rising anti-Semitism.
The podcast discusses the complexities surrounding anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, highlighting the necessity of educating communities on these distinctions.
Greenblatt advocates for forming new alliances with organizations that share a mutual understanding of anti-Semitism, shifting focus from traditional partnerships.
Deep dives
Historical Context of the ADL's Mission
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) was established in 1913 to combat systemic discrimination faced by Jews in America, which included barriers to education, employment, and healthcare. The organization's mission statement emphasizes the protection of Jewish people while advocating justice and fairness for all. Historically, the ADL has worked tirelessly to overturn discriminatory laws and social practices, earning significant accomplishments in civil rights, such as involvement in landmark cases like Brown v. Board of Education. This intertwined history illustrates the belief that the security of the Jewish community is linked to the broader fight against all forms of hate and discrimination.
Surge in Anti-Semitism Today
There has been a notable increase in anti-Semitic incidents within the United States, with a reported surge of over 1,000% in the last decade. In recent years, the Jewish community has seen a concerning uptick in harassment, vandalism, and violence, making it one of the most targeted groups for hate crimes. Factors contributing to this rise include the normalization of hate speech in political discourse and the pervasive influence of social media, which has become a breeding ground for anti-Semitic rhetoric. As a result, the ADL focuses on prioritizing resources to combat this wave of anti-Semitism, reflecting the pressing need for the organization to protect the Jewish community.
Shifting Priorities Amidst Rising Threats
In response to escalating anti-Semitism, the ADL has adjusted its focus to prioritize the immediate protection of the Jewish community. This includes a commitment to addressing the various sources of anti-Semitic sentiment, whether from far-right extremists, radical left ideologies, or Islamist actors. The organization seeks to disrupt the activities of these extremists while finding new allies within broader civil rights movements. This pragmatic approach underscores the necessity of ensuring Jewish safety while acknowledging that the historical mission of fighting for all marginalized communities might currently need to take a backseat.
Challenges of Solidarity and New Alliances
While the ADL has historically collaborated with various minority groups, recent tensions post-October 7th have strained some of these relationships, particularly with Muslim organizations. Additionally, the organization has articulated the importance of forming new alliances with groups that demonstrate mutual understanding of anti-Semitism and support for Jewish rights. As the ADL navigates these complexities, it remains crucial to identify and foster relationships with potential allies that do not engage in dehumanization of any community. The current climate necessitates a reevaluation of existing partnerships and an openness to finding common ground with new groups.
Navigating Internal and External Debates
The ADL faces significant challenges in addressing internal disagreements within the Jewish community regarding the intersection of anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism. Some segments of the community perceive a distinction between the two, believing that opposition to Israeli policies does not equate to hatred of Jews. However, the ADL underscores the argument that anti-Zionism, particularly in its more extreme forms, functions as a contemporary manifestation of anti-Semitism. Educating both Jewish and non-Jewish populations about the complexities of these ideologies is an essential part of the ADL's ongoing efforts to combat all forms of hate.
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, thinks it’s time for the organization to reinvent itself. As American Jews face a historic surge in violence, Greenblatt wants the ADL to rethink its old alliances and go on offense, targeting radicals and the education system that creates them. He joins Adaam James Levin-Areddy to discuss the ADL’s newly published “campus antisemitism report card,” the organization’s historical commitment to classical liberalism and a broader civil rights coalition, the left’s betrayal of Jews, Elon Musk and the Trump administration, and the challenge of differentiating antisemitism from anti-Zionism.
The Agenda:
—The ADL’s history is the story of American civil rights
—Playing the liberal game
—The Elon Musk gesture and finding new allies
—CAIR
—Can the Ivy League be saved, or is it time to build something new?
—Antisemitism vs. Anti-Zionism. Can Jews be antisemitic?
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