Jewish groups differ on effectiveness of US strategy to counter antisemitism

wasHInGton – us president joe Biden has unveiled an unprecedented broad strategy to combat antisemitism, launching a plan that has been in the works for months and that has sparked debate among jewish organizations.

the 60-page national strategy to combat antisemitism was announced in a video presentation and live-streamed conversation on thursday between its two architects – susan Rice, Biden’s chief domestic policy adviser, and second Gentleman doug Emhoff, who is the first jewish spouse of a us vice president.

also on the livestream were Homeland security advisor dr. Liz sherwood-Randall and ambassador deborah Lipstadt, the special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism.

Biden, who did not attend the launch but was featured in a recorded message, called the plan “the most ambitious and comprehensive” government initiative in combating antisemitism, which includes 100 new actions the administration will take to raise awareness of antisemitism and its threat to american democracy, protect jewish communities, reverse the normalization of antisemitism, and build cross-community solidarity.

Emhoff called the plan personally meaningful. “this plan will save lives,” he said. “antisemitism can only be combated with united efforts. we are committed to making sure everyone can live openly and safely in their communities. we cannot normalize hate seen across our nation.”

Rice reflected on growing up in a mixed jewish-Black community. she spoke of her first trip to Israel at age 14 with her father and brother. “at the un I was proud to