December 14, 2022
The Central Conference of American Rabbis is alarmed by the increasing normalization of antisemitism in American public discourse. The most painful moments in Jewish history teach that antisemitic rhetoric leads to violence. We are all too aware of the surge in antisemitic incidents since 2017, as documented by the Anti-Defamation League. Failure to reverse the current trend risks even greater danger.
Reform rabbis call on all Americans to raise their voices in opposition to antisemitism—whatever its source, in all the ugly forms it takes. We urge social media platforms to enforce strong safeguards against all hate speech, including antisemitism. We commend President Biden’s establishment of an interagency working group to counter antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, and related forms of bias and discrimination. We applaud those who courageously speak out against antisemitism, and we welcome opportunities to partner with others to counter hate of all kinds.
CCAR rabbis will continue to speak out clearly to combat antisemitism. At the same time, Reform rabbis and the communities we serve will most resolutely resist antisemitism with joyful fidelity to our faith. We pray that the lights of Chanukah will pierce the darkness that increasingly pervades the world with hatred.
Rabbi Lewis Kamrass, President
Rabbi Hara E. Person, Chief Executive
Central Conference of American Rabbis