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. 

PHOTOS: TEMPLE ISRAEL FACEBOOK

Carolyn 
Normandin

Motor City Match awarded me 
$20,000 to start my business.

All because I live in Detroit!

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