The U.S. Department of Justice is launching a new national initiative to target antisemitism.
It’s Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism launched a new “American Tour Against Hate,” led by its chair, Leo Terrell.
Its first event will be held in Southfield, Mich., on Wednesday, Oct. 14.
It’s the first tour of its kind and the “first-of-its-kind federal initiative, bringing government resources and officials directly to local communities experiencing hate and discrimination,” the DOJ says.
Attorney General Todd Blanche said the national tour “is an important step in ensuring communities across the country know the federal government stands ready to work with them to confront antisemitic threats, protect public safety, and uphold civil rights.”
In a promotional video posted on social media, he said, “Our nation is at a pivotal moment. In recent years, we have seen a disturbing rise in antisemitic rhetoric and acts of hatred against fellow citizens. Hate has no place in America and this Department of Justice remains committed to confronting it wherever it appears.”
Antisemitic incidents in the U.S. exponentially increased after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel. The attacks led to the murder of approximately 1,200 people and 251 others taken as hostages. Among them were 61 Americans; 49 were killed in the attack. Another 12 Americans were taken hostage who were either returned alive or their remains were returned for burial, according to the American Jewish Committee.
Prior to the Oct. 7 attacks, antisemitic incidents in the U.S. were already at historic levels, with an 87% increase in the southwest, The Center Square reported. After Oct. 7, antisemitic incidents surged by 360%, and multiple reports documented violence being committed against Jewish students on U.S. college campuses.
Violence, especially at Ivy League schools, led to congressional investigations resulting in some deans being forced to resign and the Trump administration suing the schools threatening to halt federal funding.
By 2024, antisemitic attacks were the greatest on record since the Anti-Defamation League began tracking them in the U.S. since 1979, The Center Square reported.
"No American should live in fear of unjust discrimination or violence,” Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward said, adding that the DOJ is committed to protecting and defending “all Americans’ right to freedom of speech and free exercise of religion. … What makes America unique is the promise embedded in our Constitution that all Americans should freely enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
The administration’s goal, Blanche said, is “to make sure that every American has the freedom to enjoy their rights guaranteed to them by God, the Constitution and our laws. That is why this department has already taken decisive action to safeguard American civil rights in cities and universities across the country. We have accomplished a lot in just the past year, and we are only just beginning. This tour is proof of our continued efforts.”
The DOJ is bringing together government agencies, faith leaders and community members to “root out hatred," it said. This involves meeting with “those targeted by hate in their homes, places of worship and schools,” Woodward said.
The first event is being held at Congregation Shaarey Zedek. The event is free and open to people of all faiths. Those interested in attending are to register at www.mizoa.org/events.
The congregation is hosting a range of events addressing antisemitism, including one scheduled for Oct. 12.
