Jonathan Greenblatt (ADL) on Jewish Security, Identity, and Antisemitism

Response to Bret Stephens' Critique

• 💡 Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL, responded to Bret Stephens' speech which argued that Jewish institutions are overly focused on fighting antisemitism.
• 📌 Stephens specifically mentioned the ADL and Greenblatt by name, suggesting that organizations like ADL, U.J., and the American Jewish Committee should potentially be dismantled.
• 💬 Greenblatt expressed surprise at the direct criticism, especially after being invited by Stephens to the event.

The Intertwined Nature of Security and Identity

• ✅ Greenblatt agrees with the importance of building Jewish identity and fostering a strong sense of self within the community.
• 🔑 He asserts that Jewish security is inseparable from Jewish identity, emphasizing that the community cannot flourish without feeling safe.
• 🛡️ Greenblatt believes that being secure doesn't mean retreating or submitting to a "pathology of victimhood," but rather fortifying institutions and taking precautions.

Alarming Rise in Antisemitism

• 📊 Data shows a significant increase in antisemitic attitudes among non-Jewish Americans, more than doubling from 11% in 2019 to 24% in 2024.
• 📈 The number of anti-Jewish incidents reported by the ADL increased tenfold, from 942 in 2015 to 9,354 in 2024.
• ⚠️ Greenblatt indicated that upcoming data will likely show an even worse trend in antisemitic attitudes.

The Blue Square Alliance Super Bowl Ad

• 📺 The Super Bowl ad by the Blue Square Alliance faced criticism for portraying Jewish victimhood, showing a Jewish character needing protection from a non-Jewish classmate.
• 🔍 Critics felt the ad reflected an outdated form of antisemitism ("dirty Jew") rather than the current perception of "Jew as dangerous" (e.g., supporting a genocidal state).
• 🎯 Greenblatt noted the ad's intention was to raise awareness among non-Jewish audiences about the experiences of Jewish youth, though ADL was not involved in its creation.