Press Releases and Statements

Jews have settled all across America for centuries, not just in big cities. While the Jewish presence in rural areas may be smaller, antisemitism remains a growing problem in those communities. How to change that narrative is part of the U.S. National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism, released in May by President Biden. Gavriela Geller, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Bureau/AJC Kansas City, said the focus on rural areas was both needed and welcome.

American Jewish Committee (AJC) CEO Ted Deutch today revealed the structure, direction, and priorities for a task force to implement the White House strategy to counter antisemitism and help ensure the U.S. Jewish community is safe, strong, and secure.

American Jewish Committee (AJC) issues statement following the verdict handed down by a Pittsburgh federal court jury in the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting, the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history.

The statistics that chart the rise in antisemitism online and on social media are nothing short of alarming. Telling that story is the impetus behind a new media campaign from American Jewish Committee (AJC). At its core are four short videos that highlight the pride as well as the peril of being a Jew in America. The campaign also features non-Jewish allies to emphasize that antisemitism is not just a Jewish problem; it is one that all of society needs to solve.

The American Anthropological Association, an academic group, has voted to boycott Israeli academic institutions in support of the anti-Israel Boycott, Divest and Sanctions movement. American Jewish Committee issued a statement in response:

American Jewish Committee (AJC) today expressed profound disappointment over the passage of the Reasonableness Standard Law in Israel.

The new law was pushed through unilaterally by the governing coalition amid deepening divisions in Israeli society as evidenced by the hundreds of thousands of Israelis who have taken to the streets. Of particular concern to AJC, the continued effort to press forward on judicial reform rather than seeking compromise has sown discord within the Israeli Defense Forces at a time of elevated threats to the Jewish homeland and has strained the vital relationship between Israel and Diaspora Jewry. 

AJC CEO Ted Deutch issued this statement following Israeli President Isaac Herzog's address to Congress this morning:

President Herzog’s address to Congress is a potent symbol of the ironclad partnership between the U.S. and Israel and how it has transformed the Middle East. It also underscores the president’s vital role as a bridge builder, one who offers pragmatic and actionable solutions to many of the issues that confront Israel. His voice is one we need to hear more. Israel has no better emissary. I know him personally as someone whose commitment and love for his nation knows no bounds. That passion was on full display today on Capitol Hill.

American Jewish Committee issued a statement in response to an antisemitic remark made by former baseball star Johnny Bench.

American Jewish Committee and the Small Business Administration (SBA) announced a new effort to help small business owners recognize, respond to, and help prevent antisemitism and other forms of hate.

American Jewish Committee (AJC) today expressed concern over the Knesset’s vote to advance a portion of the governing coalition's judicial reform effort, deepening existing divisions instead of resuming the compromise negotiations conducted by President Herzog.

A delegation of U.S. college presidents has arrived in Israel to exchange ideas with their counterparts in the Jewish State and forge partnerships with students and faculty from both nations, as part of a trip sponsored by Project Interchange, an educational institute of American Jewish Committee.

AJC CEO Ted Deutch today issued this statement following the appointment by Secretary of State Antony Blinken of Ambassador Dan Shapiro to be Senior Advisor for Regional Integration: Ambassador Dan Shapiro is an excellent choice to lead America’s efforts to expand the circle of peace in the Middle East, from strengthening the Abraham Accords to working to normalize relations between Israel and Arab and Muslim-majority countries.

Social media executives said today they are committed to clamping down on antisemitic content. However, at a hearing facilitated by American Jewish Committee and the European Jewish Congress, lawmakers told them those efforts have fallen short.

American Jewish Committee has released a video, "What Ties Jews to Israel?" (“Ma allathi yarbut al-yahud bi-Isra’il?” in Arabic), the 11th installment in the organization’s Arabic-language educational video series, ‘An al-Yahud (“About the Jews”), which has received more than 45 million views worldwide. The video released today emphasizes that the unique connection between Jews and the land of Israel does not negate those shared by other religions and peoples. The video is also available in English.

Justice has been served. We realize it does little to ease the pain for the families and friends of the 11 people murdered at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh simply for being Jewish and practicing their faith. However, we hope this verdict allows them to continue the slow process of healing if not closure. The memories of those taken will always be a blessing. Countering the antisemitic hate that invaded their sacred and joyous space must be the job for all of society, not just the Jewish community.

American Jewish Committee will work with the European Jewish Congress to help European Jewish communities tackle rising antisemitism and bring more attention to looming threats and foster a more vibrant Jewish life on the Continent.

A Bedouin tribe that has been steadfast in its support for Israel and its security despite having 18 family members killed in the line of duty, was honored by American Jewish Committee (AJC) with its Moral Courage Award.

Northwestern University students who worked with school officials to create a more inclusive environment for Jews on campus, and California law students who led the Jewish communal response to a coalition of student groups with anti-Zionist views, were honored by American Jewish Committee (AJC) today.

Ted Deutch, CEO of American Jewish Committee (AJC) today announced AJC will launch a task force to help implement the White House National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism

Seven of the world’s leading envoys dedicated to fighting antisemitism today received the inaugural AJC David Harris Award from American Jewish Committee (AJC), named after the organization’s longtime former CEO.