Our Statements
CFR Denounces the Rise in Antisemitism in New York and Across the United States
Thursday, November 10, 2022 – The Center for Family Representation (CFR) is deeply troubled by the rise in antisemitism in New York and across the United States. In 2021, New York State saw over 400 reports of hatred toward Jewish people, including physical attacks, antisemitic graffiti on Jewish-owned businesses, and attempts to desecrate synagogues. Antisemitic incidents also reached a record high nationwide, with over 2,700 acts of hatred reported.
Over the past month, the American Jewish community has been subject to a number of high-profile antisemitic incidents:
- Former president Donald Trump used his social media platform to declare that Jews in the United States must “get their act together” and align their views about Israel “before it is too late.”
- Hip hop artist Ye (Kanye West) and professional basketball player Kyrie Irving used their social media platforms to broadcast antisemitic messages and propaganda.
- Banners reading “Kanye is right about the Jews” were displayed over the Interstate 405 in Los Angeles by a hate group called the “Goyim Defense League.”
- Amazon ignored calls to discontinue selling the antisemitic film and book that Kyrie Irving was suspended for posting about. The book has become one of Amazon’s best sellers.
- New Jersey synagogues were placed on alert in early November after the FBI said it had “received credible information of a broad threat” to the Jewish houses of worship.
- Throughout the 2022 election cycle, several Republican candidates running for public offices weaponized antisemitic hate speech and propaganda in order to stoke fear among their supporters, and smear Jewish opponents and public figures.
Attacks on the Jewish community are not new, and history has shown us that hate speech and vile political rhetoric threatens the wellbeing and safety of Jewish communities and individuals. CFR stands with our Jewish staff, clients, and supporters against all acts of antisemitism. We recommit ourselves to speaking out against incidents of hatred and working to create spaces where Jewish people and people of all faith traditions feel a sense of respect and belonging.
For additional information and resources, please visit the Anti-Defamation League.
Photo: Andrii Koval/iStock