JWI Statement on the Jewish American Security Act
Jewish Women International is proud to support the Jewish American Security Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill to address antisemitism in America. The bill addresses growing antisemitism on college campuses; funds security improvements for faith-based nonprofit organizations and Jewish institutions at risk of terrorist attacks; improves interagency antisemitism threat assessments; and tracks online antisemitism and requires large online platforms to be transparent about their response to antisemitic content.
CEO Meredith Jacobs said, “Jewish Women International applauds Senators Rosen and Lankford for introducing the Jewish American Security Act, which addresses the growing antisemitic violence, vandalism, and threats American Jewish communities have faced over the last few years. While no one should have to fear being targeted because they’re Jewish, at JWI, we’re especially aware of how young Jewish women are experiencing this moment and the threats they face both in person and online. This bill would strengthen protections in schools, expand security support for communal institutions, and require greater transparency around antisemitism on major online platforms. We’re proud to endorse it.”
Since October 7, 2023, incidents of antisemitism in the United States have skyrocketed. Attacks on the Jewish community are not just rhetorical — they have real-world consequences. A beloved member of the JWI community, Sarah Milgrim, was murdered outside the Capital Jewish Museum after leaving an American Jewish Committee event. Synagogues and Jewish gatherings have been attacked. Many Jews no longer feel safe in their communities. A JWI survey of young Jewish women about the impact of antisemitism found that 90% had experienced antisemitism; 54% reported hiding their identity to feel safer in public; 50% are dating less due to antisemitism and fear for their safety; and 75% have experienced negative mental health impacts.
The Jewish American Security Act is an important step toward combating antisemitism, helping American Jews feel safe in their communities, and protecting all faith communities at risk of hate-motivated violence.
Urge them to co-sponsor the Jewish American Security Act.
A summary of the bill is available here.
Read the Senators’ press release here.
JWI is the leading Jewish organization championing women and girls by preventing domestic violence and sexual abuse, addressing the intersection of domestic violence and gun violence, building pathways to long-term economic security, and strengthening access to every level of leadership in our communities, workplaces, and country.