Fighting Hate & Extremism

With guest Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs

Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), recently engaged in a crucial conversation about the pressing need to combat hate and extremism in contemporary society. Stressing the urgency of the situation, Spitalnick highlighted the alarming normalization of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories on social media, providing a breeding ground for extremist views that fuel hatred against Jewish communities. Beyond directly targeting Jewish communities, anti-Semitism poses a broader threat, compromising the fundamental norms of democracy. Record levels of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are on the rise, propelled by extremist voices on social media and college campuses.

Addressing these challenges, Spitalnick emphasized the crucial role of coalition building and collaboration across communities. Recognizing the deep interconnection of hate, including anti-Semitism, anti-LGBTQ hate, white supremacy, and xenophobia, she underscored the importance of collective action.

The safety of Jewish and Muslim communities, she noted, is inherently linked to the well-being of our democracy. Urging action at all levels of society, Spitalnick emphasized the need to build bridges and coalitions to effectively combat hate and extremism. Joining the JCPA in this fight means standing united for allyship, solidarity, and collaborative efforts, working towards a safer and more inclusive future for all.