Inaugural cohort of five organizations, spanning health care, education, labor and the arts, to receive tools, training and networks to fight antisemitism in their sectors
New York, NY, March 17, 2026 … ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) today announced the launch of Hazak: Jewish Venture Accelerator, a new accelerator program designed to strengthen and scale community-led efforts to fight antisemitism. Hazak will invest in grassroots and community-based leaders by building their capacity through hands-on tools, expert training, ADL’s networks and a new peer network. The inaugural cohort of five organizations was unveiled today at Never Is Now.
Since October 7, 2023, demand for ADL support from community groups has surged. Hazak (Hebrew for “strong”) is designed to meet that demand by partnering with early-stage organizations, sharing ADL’s expertise, resources and relationships to enable these grassroots leaders to maximize impact in their sectors. At the same time, ADL will learn from these organizations, gaining real-time insight into how antisemitism is showing up across institutions and communities, and strengthening the organization’s sector-based strategies, data and rapid-response capabilities. While other accelerators may support Jewish entrepreneurship or broader social-impact ventures, Hazak is the first specifically-focused on organizations whose core missions include preventing, educating about, and advocating against antisemitism.
“Antisemitism is showing up in hospitals and union halls, schools and theaters, and we need trusted, credible voices in every one of those spaces,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “Hazak will scale our reach and impact while preserving the local knowledge and community trust that make grassroots leaders so effective.”
Over six months, Hazak participants will receive one-on-one coaching and mentorship from ADL staff, on-demand support when incidents arise, structured group programming and a peer learning community. Organizations will graduate from the program more empowered and supported to fight antisemitism through stronger networks, tested strategies and sustained partnership with ADL through an alumni network.
The five organizations in the inaugural Hazak cohort are:
- American Jewish Medical Association
- Artists Against Antisemitism
- The Jewish Employee Resource Group at a major medical center
- Jewish Parent Alliance in Schools
- National Education Association’s Jewish Affairs Caucus
Together, these organizations represent the health care, arts and culture, labor and K-12 education sectors — all priority areas where ADL has seen increased demand for support in responding to antisemitism and where trusted, sector-based messengers are critical to driving change.
“Grassroots leaders are often the most credible voices in their communities,” said Shira Goodman, ADL Vice President of Advocacy. “These organizations are already doing critical work. With ADL’s tools, expertise and support we hope they will combat antisemitism even more effectively and that together, we will achieve lasting impact.”
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913 to protect the Jewish people, ADL works to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and secure justice and fair treatment to all. In the face of rising antisemitism and extremism, we protect, advocate, and educate, through a mix of programs and services using the latest innovations and technology, and seek to create a world without hate. More at www.adl.org.