March 19, 2020

THE WEEK’S BIG 3

A new report from ADL finds that as the coronavirus continues to surge globally, antisemitic, xenophobic, and hateful messages and conspiracy theories surrounding the pandemic are proliferating rapidly online. Lawmakers were condemned for repeatedly referring to the coronavirus as the “Chinese virus”, a term deemed by many as bigoted and scientifically inaccurate. And the thought-leader behind the violent neo-Nazi group Atomwaffen Division claims the group is disbanding in light of recent high-profile arrests of members.

Read on for more on these headlines, news you can use to fight hate and the latest info about ADL from around the country.

1. Coronavirus Crisis Elevates Antisemitic, Racist Tropes

“These messages spread hate and misinformation, making it more difficult to access accurate information while elevating fear and anxiety. While some of these messages are new, many are simply old tropes repackaged for a modern pandemic…” ADL: READ MORE

+ The Rise in Coronavirus Hate Crimes – The New Yorker

+ Conspiracy theory that Jews created virus spreads on social media, ADL says – The Times of Israel

2. Lawmakers Condemned for Using ‘Chinese Virus’ Slur

“’Using this term furthers discrimination, scapegoating and xenophobia,’” said Jonathan Greenblatt of the Anti-Defamation League. “’Rhetoric can take on a life of its own and using non-scientific terms only sows confusion.'” New York Daily News:

FULL STORY

+ Jonathan Greenblatt tweet: “@POTUS must condemn this virulent racism coming from his White House, and he has to stop repeatedly using racist terms himself when referring to coronavirus…”

3. Leader: Atomwaffen Division Disbanding

“James Mason's announcement, which just hit the Internet via an audio recording, comes as federal law enforcement, Congress and the U.S. State Department ramp up the pressure on neo-Nazi groups that take up arms, such as Atomwaffen. Because of the timing, though, some critics believe that the move is designed to give members breathing room rather than actually end their militant activities.” Westword: FULL STORY

+ ADL Resource: Atomwaffen Division (AWD)

+ ADL Resource: American White Supremacist Groups Exploiting International Connections

KEY ADL SOCIAL STATEMENTS

• Each of us is responsible for holding ourselves accountable to knowing, seeing, and fighting the myths of antisemitism…
• We must not forget the painful reality of the “zero-tolerance” policy that needlessly separated children from their parents at the border…
• Our Center on Extremism identified this white supremacist, who allegedly shot and killed a police officer, by connecting the suspect to his online profiles…

IN THE COMMUNITY

• COVID-19’s hidden symptom: Among some, it’s an excuse to give into bigotry (Pennsylvania Capital-Star – Shira Goodman and Jeremy Bannett Op-Ed)
• Anti-Defamation League: Unacceptable for ex-CareerSource board member to use Holocaust imagery (NBC Palm Beach – Yael Hershfield interviewed)
• Coronavirus impact: Williamsport cancels town hall on Neo-Nazi rally (Penn Live)

ADL IN THE NEWS

• A parent’s guide to the secret language of internet extremists (CBS News – Marilyn Mayo interviewed)
• ADL CEO on Antisemitic Conspiracy Theories Surrounding Coronavirus (Jewish Journal)
• As the workplace landscape shifts, millennials take center stage – and the corner office (Jewish Insider)