Press Releases

American Jewish Committee today welcomed the news that Unilever has sold its Ben & Jerry’s business in Israel to a local licensee, clearing the way for the brand to once again be sold throughout the West Bank and Israel.

In a decision that could have far-reaching implications regarding public school prayer, the U.S. Supreme Court today ruled that a former high school football coach was within his constitutional rights to hold prayers on the field after a game.
AJC Chief Legal Officer Marc Stern, a leading expert on this issue, said, “The decision strikes a serious blow against the Constitution’s Establishment Clause as has been interpreted since World War II. Worse, the decision subordinates conscience protecting aspects of separation of church and state to individual religious expression."

American Jewish Committee (AJC) expressed profound disappointment in today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. AJC has long opposed government interference in a woman’s right to autonomy over her body and access to medical procedures that affect her own life and her ability – and decision – to bear children. Jewish tradition prioritizes the safety of women carrying a child.

This summer, the New-York Historical Society presents Confronting Hate 1937–1952, a timely exhibition that explores the groundbreaking campaign launched by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) in 1937 to combat increasing antisemitism in the United States during the interwar period. On view July 28, 2022 – January 1, 2023, the exhibition examines the history of the campaign through vibrant posters, engaging comic books, newspaper advertisements, radio spots, and television cartoons that have never before been exhibited to the public.

A federal court ruled that an anti-BDS law that required companies doing business with the state of Arkansas to sign a pledge not to boycott Israel was constitutional.

American Jewish Committee (AJC) welcomes the publication by the UN Special Adviser on Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, of a new policy paper on combating Holocaust and genocide denial. The paper was produced in collaboration with AJC’s Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights (JBI). “Holocaust denial is rooted in antisemitism,” emphasizes Nderitu in the policy paper’s foreword, adding that her office is also “extremely worried about the increasingly frequent distortions of the Holocaust’s scope and intentionality.” Nderitu emphasizes that denying the facts of the Holocaust and other genocides generates fear among victims, “constitutes a warning sign of societal fragility” and “can inspire and fuel hatred of, or even incite violence against, communities that previously experienced atrocity crimes.”

Hillel chapters in Kharkiv and Indiana University received the AJC Sharon Greene Award at AJC Global Forum.

Michael L. Tichnor has been elected president of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), the leading global Jewish advocacy organization. “I am honored and humbled to take on this most meaningful role at AJC, an organization which exemplifies courage, strength, diplomacy and action,” said Tichnor.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, addressing the American Jewish Committee (AJC) Global Forum today, praised the leading global Jewish advocacy organization’s leadership on key American foreign policy issues. AJC’s missions “align with many of the United States top foreign policy priorities,” he said. “I’d like to thank AJC for its enduring partnership, for its ongoing work, and for all I know that we’ll continue to do together” to support Ukraine, to combat antisemitism worldwide, support Israel’s security, prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, and expand Arab-Israeli normalization and peace, Blinken remarked in a video address from the State Department.

Masih Alinejad, one of the most outspoken opponents of the Islamic regime in Tehran, was honored today by American Jewish Committee (AJC) with the global advocacy organization’s Moral Courage Award. AJC honored Alinejad for her “moral, intellectual, and physical courage, extraordinary bravery, and commitment to the protection of human rights.”

President Biden has sent a congratulatory letter to AJC CEO David Harris, who has served at the helm of the leading global Jewish advocacy organization for 32 years. He will step down later this year.

Austria bestowed one of its highest honors on American Jewish Committee (AJC) CEO David Harris. The Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold for Services to the Republic of Austria was presented today to Harris during the AJC Board of Governors meeting.

A group of Jewish and Muslim young professionals from Morocco, Israel, and the United States concluded ten days of consultations with senior government, civil society, and diplomatic officials in seven cities throughout Morocco and Israel. It was the capstone program of the Michael Sachs Fellowship for Emerging Leaders organized by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and the Mimouna Association.

The Federal Republic of Germany honored American Jewish Committee (AJC) CEO David Harris with the prestigious Stern/Knight Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit. It is the highest tribute Germany can pay to individuals for services to the nation. German Ambassador to the United States Emily Haber presented the award to Harris as “a worthy recognition of your lifelong commitment to the Jewish community and the relationship between Jews and Germany.” The ceremony took place this evening at the residence of German Consul General David Gill in New York.

American Jewish Committee (AJC) and The E.W. Scripps Company have partnered to combat antisemitism in the United States. 160 Scripps employees, including news directors and reporters, participated in two training sessions led by AJC staff experts on antisemitism and media. “Journalists who recognize antisemitism are more effective in covering incidents targeting Jews, and in ensuring their audiences gain a better understanding of this age-old hatred that again is on the rise, threatening society at large,” said Holly Huffnagle, AJC’s U.S. Director for Combating Antisemitism.

American Jewish Committee (AJC) welcomes the Action Plan to Combat Antisemitism by Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief. The plan, released today, identifies antisemitism as a pressing and enduring challenge that all governments, as well as social media companies, faith leaders and other actors, should be confronting with urgency.
Felice Gaer, Director of AJC's Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights, said: “The special rapporteur’s action plan is an essential roadmap for governments, companies, and other UN experts to follow to ensure that their efforts to combat antisemitism are comprehensive and effective."

David Harris, CEO of American Jewish Committee, the leading global Jewish advocacy organization, received yesterday a Brandeis University Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
“David Harris has lived an exemplary life of achievement and service to humankind. He embodies Brandeis’ core value of using one’s talents to improve the world,” said Brandeis University President Ron Liebowitz, who presented the honorary degree during Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2022, attended by thousands of graduates, faculty, trustees, administrators, and families and friends of the students.

An American Jewish Committee (AJC) delegation has returned from Japan, where they met with top government leaders and diplomats to reinforce strong ties among Japan and the U.S., Israel, and the American Jewish community.

A historic gathering of faith leaders from across religious traditions took place this week in Saudi Arabia, and included 12 rabbis, among them Rabbi David Rosen, American Jewish Committee’s Director of International Interreligious Relations.

American Jewish Committee (AJC) polls of the general and Muslim populations in Germany show widespread recognition of the gravity of antisemitism in Germany.