OCTOBER 31 • 2024 | 13
for those who are suffering, Oct. 7
was an inexcusable, unprovoked,
despicable, sadistic act of terror.
Anti-Zionism is antisemitism.
Period. End of story.”
Greenblatt feels strongly that
the unprecedented levels of
antisemitism threatening our
country today require different
approaches than those previously
used. To meet the moment, the
ADL has developed new strategies
that are more proactive than those
used previously.
INNOVATIVE INITIATIVES
The “Campus Report Card” is a
program designed to assess the
state of antisemitism at colleges
and universities with high numbers
of Jewish students. The institutions
receive grades based on a variety of
criteria concerning administrative
policies, campus incidents and
Jewish student life.
A grade can be raised or lowered
depending on the post-evaluation
response of the college. For
example, Michigan State University
was able to raise its F to a D,
while the University of Michigan
received a D that was subsequently
downgraded to an F.
On the legal front, a partnership
between campus Hillel
organizations and local law firms
helps victims of antisemitism file
Title VI claims against universities
that fail to prevent antisemitism
or take appropriate action when it
occurs.
Greenblatt explained the
importance of “bottom-up
activism” as opposed to advocacy
aimed only at leaders in business
and government. He believes
shareholders have the potential
to motivate companies to
promote social justice and end
discriminatory practices.
He urged audience members
to “vote with your wallet” by
patronizing companies that
support the ADL in its fight against
hate, including Google, Coca-
Cola and Bank of America, among
others.
TAKING ACTION
In closing, Greenblatt urged each
person to recruit allies by reaching
out to non-Jewish friends and
colleagues.
“Each and every one of you has
power,” he said. “You’re not just a
vote or a check; you’re a voice and
you have got to use your voice.”
A number of Jewish elected
officials, including Oakland
County Clerk Lisa Brown, Keego
Harbor Mayor Rob Kalman and
State Rep. Noah Arbit, were
impressed with the program, which
was co-sponsored by Temple Israel,
BBYO and the ADL.
“Our community is agitated, and
we are committed to fighting back,”
said Arbit, who represents the
20th House District encompassing
West Bloomfield and
Commerce.
Carolyn Normandin,
regional director
of ADL Michigan,
agrees it is vital to be
proactive during this
unprecedented moment
and enlist the cooperation of like-
minded groups and individuals.
“Speak out, share facts, show
strength,” she said. “It’s crucial to
button up our solidarity. It’s a very
large tent, and we need everyone
in it.”
For the latest information on
antisemitism, including statistics,
campus report cards, corporate
partners and how to take action,
visit the Anti-Defamation League
(ADL) website at www.adl.org.
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