GDS Speaks Out Against Antisemitism

The last few weeks have seen a significant increase in anti-semitic hate crimes here in the United States. While the hate crimes have sometimes been quite violent in nature, there have also been subtler forms of aggression, including the perpetuation of pernicious conspiracy theories that Jewish people have outsized power in America or the world and the assumption that American Jews are somehow responsible for conflict in the Middle East. 

It is important in this moment to remember that antisemitism is a form of oppression that is based on prejudice and stereotypes. Antisemitism is predicated on dangerous falsehoods about Jewish people that have subjected Jews to hatred, harassment, and even murder throughout history. 

The School’s mission is clear that any and all forms of bigotry and discrimination will not be tolerated here at GDS. This includes antisemitism. GDS is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment for all, and the School recognizes the responsibility to have open conversations about bias, prejudice, and hate in all of its forms. GDS commits to responsibly addressing any and all incidents that might be reported in our community and to teaching our students about antisemitism as part of our diversity, equity, and inclusion work. We recommend to you the following scholars of antisemitism:

• Dr. Deborah Lipstadt, Antisemitism: Here and Now
• Eric Ward at the Western States Center
• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum