Who are we?
The Anti-Semitism Accountability Project is an organization founded by Ronald S. Lauder to take action against the growing crisis of anti-Semitism in American politics, institutions, and culture. ASAP will fight anti-Semitism wherever it emerges.
What is ASAP’s goal?
ASAP’s goal is no less than the complete elimination of any form of anti-Semitism in mainstream American life. ASAP will identify and expose anti-Semites and those who tolerate or promote them in American politics and culture. We will create a system of accountability for public officials, institutions, and cultural figures who harbor and/or express anti-Semitic viewpoints.
We will sound the alarm about this crisis across the country so that Americans can help us root-out anti-Semitism in their communities and help law enforcement prevent anti-Semitic violence.
Importantly, we will also educate young Americans about the dangers of anti-Semitism.
What is anti-Semitism?
The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance and the World Jewish Congress have established a working definition of anti-Semitism that is broadly accepted.
According to IHRA and the WJC, “Anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.” Anti-Semitism can manifest as mistrust toward Jewish people or institutions, belief in historic anti-Jewish tropes, refusal to recognize the historic suffering faced by the Jewish people, and more.
Why is combatting anti-Semitism important now?
Anti-Semitism has reemerged in the political and cultural mainstream in the United States and throughout the world, with violent acts of hatred leveled against Jewish people and institutions. In recent years, American Jews have experienced the most deadly attack ever on American soil in the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, which left 11 dead. The U.S. has seen an unprecedented surge in both anti-Semitic hate crimes and mainstream tolerance for extremist, hateful rhetoric towards Jews.
According to a recent national poll, American anti-Semitism has grown rapidly in the past few years. The poll’s findings include the following alarming data:
- Holocaust denial has doubled in the last 5 years from 7% to 14% of the American public
- 17% of Americans are anti-Semitic according to a widely accepted international definition
- Almost 3-in-10 (28%) Americans think that American Jews are more loyal to Israel than the United States
- 1 in 4 Americans think a lot of people they know have negative feelings about Jews
- 51% of Americans believe there are “a great deal” or “many” neo-Nazis in America today
These data demonstrate a rise in and persistence of anti-Semitic attitudes. Now is the time to take a stand and eliminate all forms of anti-Semitism in American public life.
How will ASAP fight anti-Semitism?
ASAP fights anti-Semitism by exposing and denouncing political and cultural leaders in America who traffic in hate. ASAP will also educate the public to identify and reject anti-Semitism through advocacy for both policies and elected officials who stand up for the Jewish people.
In addition, we will partner with stakeholders from government, business, academia, and entertainment to reject anti-Semitism in our institutions. We champion the policies that will make anti-Semitism obsolete and the politicians who commit to eradicating anti-Semitism from the political mainstream.
Above all, we fearlessly confront anti-Semitism and all those who enable it. We will not rest until we eliminate every last vestige of anti-Semitism in American life.