What's happened
Former ADL leader Joe Berman criticizes the organization for narrowing its focus to antisemitism, abandoning broader civil rights advocacy. Critics say recent changes, including program closures and policy shifts, reflect a move away from its historic mission, amid rising antisemitic incidents and internal dissent.
What's behind the headline?
The ADL's recent organizational shift signals a strategic narrowing that risks undermining its broader civil rights legacy. Critics argue that by focusing solely on antisemitism, the organization has abandoned its historic alliances with other marginalized communities, weakening its influence and moral authority. This shift appears driven by the surge in antisemitic violence, but it raises questions about the long-term impact on civil rights advocacy. The closure of programs like 'World of Difference' and the reorientation of litigation efforts suggest a prioritization of immediate security concerns over holistic social justice efforts. This move may benefit the organization's focus on combating antisemitism but at the cost of alienating allies and diluting its broader mission. The internal dissent, exemplified by resignations and public criticisms, indicates a potential crisis of identity and purpose. If this trend continues, the ADL risks becoming a narrowly focused entity, diminishing its capacity to influence wider social justice issues and maintain its historic role as a civil rights leader. The next steps will determine whether the organization can reconcile its security priorities with its foundational civil rights commitments, or if it will become a specialized advocacy group with limited scope.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that Joe Berman, a former ADL leader, publicly criticizes the organization for becoming a 'useful idiot' for the Trump administration and abandoning its civil rights roots. Berman's letter, now made public, echoes concerns from other former staff who feel the organization has shifted away from its broad advocacy, especially after the October 2023 Hamas attack. The article highlights recent organizational changes, including the closure of the 'World of Difference' program and the redefinition of its civil rights efforts. Meanwhile, The Times of Israel also notes that critics argue the focus on antisemitism has increased due to rising violence, but at the expense of alliances with other marginalized groups. The article provides a detailed account of internal dissent and the organization's evolving mission, emphasizing the tension between security concerns and civil rights advocacy.
How we got here
The ADL, founded to combat antisemitism and promote civil rights, has historically engaged in broad advocacy for marginalized groups. Under CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, the organization shifted its focus primarily to fighting antisemitism, especially after the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, leading to program closures and a redefinition of its mission.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why is the ADL shifting its focus now?
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has recently undergone significant changes in its mission and priorities. Many are asking why the organization is shifting its focus, especially towards anti-Semitism, and what this means for civil rights advocacy. In this page, we explore the reasons behind these changes, the reactions from critics, and what it could mean for the future of civil rights work in the U.S. and beyond.
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