New York, NY, June 18, 2015 … In response to ongoing concerns over anti-Semitic incidents on Long Island, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has announced an expansion of its presence with the formation of a local advisory committee and implementation of its renowned educational programs and initiatives.

On April 30, ADL introduced the launch of its new Long Island advisory committee at an event at Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation, which will be chaired by East Williston resident and ADL lay leader Louis P. Karol, and Vice Chair Julia Fenster, a Dix Hills resident.

According to the ADL’s Annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents across New York State, which found a 14 percent increase in 2014, the number of anti-Jewish acts on Long Island also experienced a slight uptick of 3 percent, including 26 incidents in Nassau County and 38 in Suffolk.

“Our goal is to expand our programming throughout the Island to ensure that we can continue to serve as a resource for the Jewish community,” said Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director. “While the increase in incidents on Long Island may seem minute, one hateful act against one Jewish individual is one too many. As we have seen across the country, the city and state, New York is not immune to anti-Semitism and remains the leading state in the country for such acts. Our hope is that through increased monitoring, awareness and expanding on our existing partnerships with law enforcement, we can further our impact on Long Island.”

“The numbers of anti-Semitic incidents that occurred on Long Island this past year were troubling,” said Mr. Karol. “Students and residents of Long Island must be equipped with the proper tools to respond appropriately and effectively to such incidents when they do occur.”

The League’s Confronting Anti-Semitism program is an interactive education initiative designed to equip middle and high school students and adult family members with constructive and effective responses to anti-Semitic incidents and stereotypes. ADL recently facilitated a number of trainings across Nassau and Suffolk counties including programming at Temple Sinai in Roslyn, Central Synagogue in Rockville Centre and the Chai Center in Dix Hills.

Anti-Semitism and Anti-Israel bias are also presenting challenges for Jewish students across colleges campuses. ADL offers its Words to Action program which prepares college bound students with the knowledge and resources to combat bias on campus, and has facilitated programs in various leading institutions including, Cornell University, Syracuse University, University of Rochester and Vassar College. In July, ADL will conduct a training at Hofstra University.

Based in New York City with a satellite office in Albany, ADL’s New York Regional Office serves all of New York State.

 

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.  Follow us on Twitter: @ADL_NY