(Washington, D.C., July 8, 2020)–B’nai B’rith is launching None Shall Be Afraid, our signature response to anti-Semitism. The initiative’s name is inspired by a quote from a letter President George Washington wrote to the congregants of Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island expressing his vision of religious tolerance in America: “Everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid.”

“Today, Jews face threats to their safety that have not been seen in decades,” said B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin. “To fight the scourge of anti-Semitism and the hatred it encompasses, we must come together in the spirit of Washington’s letter. Anti-Semitism must be fought in all its forms, including challenging Holocaust denial to fighting the demonization and delegitimization of the State of Israel.”

As part of None Shall Be Afraid, we have produced online resources to instruct about the different facets of anti-Semitism, including anti-Semitism on college campuses, faith-based anti-Semitism and anti-Semitism at global agencies. Click here for resources to understanding anti-Semitism in all its forms.

We all have a critical role to play opposing anti-Semitism and addressing hatred and intolerance as we see it happen. One step everyone can take right now is to sign the None Shall Be Afraid pledge. By doing so you are demonstrating a commitment to fighting intolerance and hatred; that you will not stand by and allow Israel to be demonized or the horrors of the Holocaust to be denied or minimized. Those who take the pledge underscore their respect for equal rights and stand against all forms of stereotyping and bias. The pledge can be found here.

Since our founding nearly 177 years ago, B’nai B’rith has fought anti-Semitism in its many forms, from standing up for Israel at biased international organizations to supporting Jewish diaspora communities that face systemic discrimination. None Shall Be Afraid is our latest effort to combat the world’s oldest hatred.

B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit www.bnaibrith.org.