Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

In the Feb. 4, 2022, issue of Heritage, the upcoming meeting with Anti-Defamation League Southern Division Senior Associate Director Eric Ross was announced. I, as the editor, saw it as an opportunity to bring attention to many changes in the organization and that the community would have this opportunity to ask questions. Unfortunately, my attempt to bring awareness was interpreted by some as causing provocation, which was never my intent. The use of opinion, however, in an informational article was inappropriate and I apologize for it.

Because of my error in judgment, and because of an email a member of the Jewish community sent to Mr. Ross asking if he would address some serious questions at the meeting (including why ADL did not come out strongly against Amnesty International’s Report calling Israel an apartheid state), the in-person meeting was canceled. The Zoom meeting was still held, but the Q&A was not allowed and the community did not have the opportunity to ask questions.

And that’s a shame.

Mr. Ross said at the meeting that the U.S. needs to take a zero-tolerance approach toward politicians who point blame at Israel or its politics — it fuels anti-Jewish sentiment.

We all have heard the tirades of the members of “The Squad,” who continuously bombard the halls of Congress with false accusations against Israel. Rashida Tlaib gives financial support to companies who falsely accuse Israel of apartheid, and hangs a map of Israel labeled “Palestine” in her office. Where is ADL’s statements standing against their relentless verbage and actions?

Mr. Ross also blamed social media (for the increase in antisemitism), which has become a hub of misinformation that’s leading to antisemitic beliefs.

What about Tema Smith, ADL’s new director of Jewish outreach? Heritage ran an article about her in last week’s issue. The Heritage headline said it all: she “has a history of anti-Jewish postings.” Read the article for some of her documented posts. How did she come to be hired?

Mr. Ross stated that the ADL stands against the BDS Movement, which futher prompts antisemitism.

And yet, for Black History Month the organization has chosen to honor Jacqueline Woodson who is anti-Israel and pro-BDS. ADL is featuring Woodson in ADL’s “Changing the World” program for children and young people.

I am not trying to demean the ADL, but it does beg the question, what is the ADL doing? This is the antithesis of ADL’s stated purpose to combat antisemitism and support Israel.