Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Training:
Understanding and Combating Contemporary Antisemitism
As you work to create a more inclusive, understanding organization that tackles difficult Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) conversations, it is critical to intentionally include the Jewish community and discussions of antisemitism.
Jewish diversity and religious practices are often not widely understood or recognized and antisemitic incidents reached an all-time high in the United States in 2022.
- In 2022, ADL tabulated 3,697 antisemitic incidents across the United States. This represents a 36% increase from the 2,717 incidents recorded in 2021 and is the highest number on record since ADL began tracking antisemitic incidents in 1979. (ADL, 2023)
- Between Oct. 7 and Dec. 7, 2023, ADL recorded a total of 2,031 antisemitic incidents, up from 465 incidents during the same period in 2022, representing a 337% increase year-over-year (ADL, 2023).
As part of JCRB|AJC’s proactive approach towards combating antisemitism through education, we provide our “Understanding and Combating Contemporary Antisemitism” presentation to companies, organizations, and community groups throughout our region. This program aims to ensure greater understanding of the Jewish community and to empower all participants to be allies in the fight against antisemitism.
Here's what our partners have to say:
- “JCRB|AJC addresses the issue of antisemitism to help ordinary citizens understand its effect on communities. More importantly it provides concrete ideas to help eradicate violence and discrimination. Even advocates of diversity and inclusion will learn new ways to help their workplace, place of worship and community understand how to create allyship and understanding. This presentation is a must for all communities.” - Vice President of DEI, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
- "The presentation on understanding and combating antisemitism provided our staff the knowledge and resources to be more informed about this important topic in our community. The JCRB|AJC staff presented the material in a way that made it easy to understand the impact of antisemitism and they brought in real world examples that related to everyone. Thanks to JCRB|AJC for a great presentation that resonated with our staff" - Assistant City Administrator, City of Prairie Village
Trainings can be conducted in person or virtually and a presentation usually lasts about 45 minutes plus time for Q&A.
The training goes into depth to explain contemporary antisemitism:
- Who are Jews?
- The current state of antisemitism in America
- Key elements of antisemitism and what makes it a unique form of hatred
- Definition and various manifestations of antisemitism
- How to support the Jewish community and how we can work together to combat antisemitism
Each presentation is unique and tailored to the audience. Depending on the setting, we can add a brief section in the beginning of the presentation about Jewish religious practices and holidays and how to best accommodate Jewish employees.
JCRB|AJC offers this program free of charge. At their discretion, some organizations offer an honorarium or donation to JCRB|AJC in appreciation of the presentation.
Interested in hosting a training?
Fill out this presentation request form or contact JCRB|AJC's Director of Education and Programs, Sarah Markowitz, at sarahm@jewishkc.org.
Want to learn more about antisemitism?
We recommend starting with AJC's Translate Hate Glossary, a fantastic guide to frequently used antisemitic words, phrases, tropes, and images. Please visit our Resources on Antisemitism and Israel page for more helpful resources.
DEI Partners and Past Trainings:
AdventHealth Kansas City Foundation
Baker University, I See You DEI Conference
Bishop Kemper School for Ministry
Community Christian Church
Children’s Mercy
City of Leawood
City of Prairie Village
DEI Consortium
GEHA
Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council
Johnson County Mental Health Center
Kansas City FBI
Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association (KCMBA)
KU Delta Gamma Chapter
KU Endowment
Lathrop GPM
Nonprofit Connect
Old Mission Church
Overland Park Rotary Club
Park University
Prairie Village Diversity Committee
Village Shalom
