What’s Happening

In a remarkable show of solidarity, hundreds of mayors and local leaders from North America and Vienna have come together to take a stand against antisemitism. The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) facilitated these crucial summits, promoting tolerance and unity.

Why It Matters

Antisemitism has reached alarming levels globally. With 3.5 million out of America’s six million Jews having experienced antisemitism since the Israel-Hamas conflict began, these summits aim to equip leaders with strategies to counter this hatred and protect their communities.

The Big Picture

Antisemitism poses a threat to societal stability and Jewish communities worldwide. By mobilizing mayors—those most accessible to the general public—the initiatives taken by CAM, in collaboration with ELNET, represent a critical effort to establish a zero-tolerance approach towards this discrimination.

Insights from the Summits

Sasha Roytman Dratwa, CAM CEO, emphasized the urgency reflected in the high attendance of these meetings. Local leaders adopted a “zero tolerance” policy against antisemitism, acknowledging their pivotal roles in creating meaningful change. Their commitments are particularly pressing given the challenges seen on university campuses, as highlighted by recent hearings and legal actions.

Enhancing Responses

The conclusion of the Mayors Summit saw the launch of the Municipal Antisemitism Action Index. This index seeks to measure how effectively municipal initiatives safeguard Jewish residents, providing a resource not just for current inhabitants but also new residents considering relocation.

The European Front

In Vienna, the United Against Antisemitism event brought together key stakeholders to develop targeted strategies in confronting antisemitic actions. This ties into the broader objective of defending democratic values and ensuring the safety of Jews across national lines, especially in the wake of resurging antisemitism in Europe post-October 7.

This story was first published on jpost.com.