Tennessee is a leading state for laws and policies dealing with antisemitism, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Antisemitism has been a focus of the ADL since it was founded in 1913 by the cultural association called B’nai Brith (Children of the Covenant), whose mission was to serve and protect Jewish immigrants, many of whom came to America to escape European and Russian persecution. Hate and antisemitism were rampant there, and here, too.
Soon, Jews would be blamed for the destruction of World War I, and in 1924, our Immigration Act enforced quotas that severely limited Jewish immigrants, even those trying to escape the Nazi movement in Germany. So, the ADL has dealt with antisemitism for more than a century. Its Jewish Policy Index features a map outlining each state’s efforts including: 1) prioritizing fighting antisemitism, 2) educating about the Jewish experience, and 3) protecting Jewish communities. Tennessee is among the leaders in the nation, according to ADL’s index.
It’s clear that we should acknowledge the state’s leadership and build upon it. Jewish federations across the state and the country are cultural centers connected to synagogues, Jewish nonprofits, as well as community and interfaith groups doing good works. Antisemitism, hate and discrimination issues have been a focus of federations’ lobbying, advocacy and collaboration for years.
Meeting with state legislators has been key to successfully adding funding for grants to provide security to religious organizations.
There has been a rise in antisemitic violence, harassment and discrimination, especially targeting Jewish students after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack in Israel. A Gallup poll shows that 81% of Americans now see antisemitism as a “very” or “somewhat serious” problem. The problem is especially intense on school campuses.
The federations’ recent lobbying supported passage of Tennessee House Bill 1188, which prohibits “Discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or marital status against a student or an employee in a public institution of education is prohibited. Antisemitic discrimination and harassment in public K-12 schools and higher education institutions that receives or benefits from federal or state financial assistance.” While the actual education programs originate with the Tennessee Holocaust Commission, this legislation requires the monitoring, reporting and addressing of antisemitic incidents.
In July, legislators and federation executives, including Austin Center, the director of community relations at the Chattanooga Jewish Federation, came together to celebrate the passage of this law in Nashville. I was excited to see that the news of the celebration, the ADL announcement of Tennessee’s leadership combating antisemitism and details of this law went international with an article in The Jerusalem Post.
This issue is definitely personal. First, I have served as a Jewish Federation executive director, including many years ago in Chattanooga, and know very well the effort and determination of these organizations to protect and serve. Second, I was one of the developers of the Jewish student campus organization Hillel in Tulsa, shortly after the Oklahoma City bombing. Last, but not least, in my own efforts for Holocaust education, I’ve seen how students are easily influenced by online misinformation, denial and hate. We cannot allow upcoming generations to follow those destructive paths. Laws and policies must boldly address antisemitism. Tennessee should continue to lead the way.
Contact Deborah Levine, an author, trainer/coach and editor of the American Diversity Report, at Deborah@AmericanDiversityReport.com.