Jonathan Greenblatt on Antisemitism, the War in Gaza, and the Challenges Facing America

The Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023 and the subsequent nearly two-year war in Gaza have had a profound impact, extending far beyond the immediate region. The repercussions have been felt globally, including within the United States. Here, discussions surrounding antisemitism have intensified, particularly concerning the relationship between criticism of Israel and antisemitic sentiments. These debates have become central to conversations about free speech, immigration, national security, and the fundamental sense of safety and belonging within the country.

Jonathan Greenblatt, the head of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), is at the center of these complex discussions. Established over a century ago, the ADL's core mission is to combat the defamation of Jewish people and advocate for justice and fair treatment for all. Under Greenblatt's leadership, the ADL has documented and reported on a significant rise in antisemitic incidents, initially focusing on the right and, more recently, the left. The organization is often regarded as a key authority on identifying and defining antisemitism.

However, the ADL's role has also faced scrutiny. Pro-Palestinian advocates, both within and outside the Jewish community, have raised concerns that the ADL has become increasingly involved in political matters. They argue that this involvement may conflict with its original civil rights mission and its ability to remain impartial. Examples cited include the ADL's alignment with the Trump administration in disputes with universities and its support for the arrest of Palestinian protesters. The conversation with Greenblatt explored these issues, including his perspective on the relationship between anti-Zionism and antisemitism, as well as his views on the ongoing war and the perspectives of critics of the Israeli government, including some Jewish individuals.

Given the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the approaching return of college students to campuses already grappling with funding concerns and tensions over protests, the author engaged in two separate conversations with Greenblatt. The aim was to understand the ADL's perspective on this challenging and sensitive period.