On October 28th, the Cambridge City Council passed a resolution that perpetuated a malignant practice that goes back centuries. The resolution, which called for the divestment of assets from companies doing business with the Israeli military, rested on the claim that Israel’s war of self-defense in Gaza was in fact genocidal. It is an allegation that the Council did not substantiate, lacks a credible moral or factual foundation, and resembles invectives that have been leveled against Jews for generations. 

The 2026 midterms reshaped Congress, bringing new debates over U.S.-Israel relations, military aid, bipartisan support for Israel, and combating antisemitism.

Last month, the David Merage Foundation for Confronting Antisemitism brought together more than 400 leaders representing diverse communities from across the country for Together at the Crossroads: A Congress for Allyship & Unity. As we focused on how these government, faith, and civic leaders can work together to push back the tide of hate and antisemitism, one emerging threat—and opportunity—was glaringly clear: we must meaningfully respond to AI.

AJC Philadelphia/Southern NJ is deeply grateful to the city officials, faith leaders, community partners, and allies who have spoken out forcefully against Sunday’s appalling effort to target Jewish- and Israeli-owned businesses. We have also heard from concerned people beyond our region who want these businesses and Philadelphia’s Jewish community to know that they are not alone.