There has been an alarming increase in antisemitic incidents in the United States in recent years and the U.S. Conference of Mayors has taken action to help mayors speak out against these incidents when they occur and work to reduce and prevent antisemitism in the future. Following is information that highlights actions mayors have taken collectively through the Conference and information that should be helpful to them in their efforts to combat antisemitism.

Implementing the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism

AJC and The U.S. Conference of Mayors have partnered on “A Mayor’s Guide to Countering Antisemitism: Implementing the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.”  Mayors are often on the front line of combating antisemitism, protecting Jewish communities, and supporting American values.  The guide provides suggestions for actions mayors can take to implement the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.

U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism

On May 25, 2023, the Biden-⁠Harris Administration released the first-ever U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. That strategy includes over 100 new actions and over 100 calls to action to combat antisemitism, including new actions to counter antisemitism on college campuses and online; a whole-of-society strategy includes new stakeholder commitments. HERE is a fact sheet on it.

Mayors’ Statement in Support of Jewish American Heritage Month

In 2023, 130 mayors pledged to observe May as Jewish American Heritage Month in their cities. Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney led this effort. HERE is the statement and list of mayors who signed it.

The State of Antisemitism in America 2022

In April 2023, the American Jewish Committee (AJC) released its annual State of Antisemitism in America report, which shows the myriad ways antisemitism in America affects the lives and actions of Jews and compares those findings to how the American general public perceives the threat.

Audit of Antisemitic Incidents 2022

In March 2023, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) released its Audit of Antisemitic Incidents 2022, its annual tracking of incidents of antisemitic harassment, vandalism and assault in the United States. In 2022, ADL tabulated 3,697 antisemitic incidents throughout the United States, a 36% increase from the 2,717 incidents tabulated in 2021 and the highest number on record since ADL began tracking antisemitic incidents in 1979.

Mayors United Against Antisemitism

In 2021 more than 500 mayors across the United States joined a national effort to combat antisemitism led by The U.S. Conference of Mayors and AJC. The two organizations, which have partnered on other projects, called on mayors across the country to sign a statement declaring that antisemitism is incompatible with fundamental democratic values. A full list of mayors can be found HERE.