U.S. Task Forces Against Antisemitism

By Sophia Spigler '25
In early December, the Biden Administration established an inter-agency group led by the staff at the Domestic Policy Council and the National Security Council, which will increase and coordinate U.S. government efforts to counter antisemitism and other forms of bias.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s announcement of this new group puts a spotlight on the urgency of these crimes and hopes for change. “This strategy will raise understanding about antisemitism and the threat it poses to the Jewish community and all Americans, address antisemitic harassment and abuse both online and offline, seek to prevent antisemitic attacks and incidents and encourage whole-of-society efforts to counter antisemitism and build a more inclusive nation.”
Jewish hate crimes increased 125% in New York City in November 2022, according to NYPD data, which has been a cause of growing concern in the Jewish community. According to a survey by “The Jerusalem Post,” one in four Jewish teenagers claims they have been the target of antisemitic comments on social media. 
"I think it is important that people in higher power, especially the government, are making formal attempts to combat antisemitism," said sophomore Rachel Nadelmann.
The Domestic Policy Council and the National Security Council recognize not only the toll these attacks have taken in people’s everyday lives, but also on social media. In response, the councils are taking action by raising awareness both online and in person and encouraging others to do the same.
This group is set to meet with community members and members of Congress to create a common understanding of how antisemitism should be addressed. This newfound communication is meant to build a platform to educate people about antisemitism and hopefully reduce these attacks.
Jean-Pierre stated, “as President Biden has made clear: antisemitism has no place in America. All Americans should forcefully reject antisemitism — including Holocaust denial — wherever it exists.” 
This group was announced one week after numerous lawmakers asked Biden for a national strategy for antisemitism and only a few weeks after the White House condemned former President Trump for hosting Kanye West as a guest at Mar-a-Lago due to West’s string of antisemitic comments online. 
"I hope this task force will be effective in tackling antisemitism through initiatives. I want to feel safer as a Jew in America," said sophomore Emily Maines. 
Additional action is being taken by many other government officials, like New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who announced that the Bias and Hatred Prevention Unit will now be located within the Division of Human Rights. The government also increased the funds for synagogue security from the 70% increase for last year, landing around 250 million dollars to 360 million. Governor Hochul says part of standing up to antisemitism is preventing its normalization.
Furthermore, Jewish second gentleman Doug Emhoff, Vice President Kamala Harris’ husband, recently hosted a round table, vowing to use his platform to speak out against bias and discrimination and urging others to join him.
 As the government continues to combat hate crimes against Jews and other minorities, Jewish communities hope to see a decrease in antisemitism.