Over the last several years, antisemitism has become increasingly normalized across the United States. Antisemitic rhetoric posted on social media and spoken by celebrities and influencers, as well as radicalization via online echo chambers, has led to a steady rise in targeted violence. Jewish community organizations have come together to combat this threat.
In this recent episode of Security DNA, host Steve Lasky of SecurityInfoWatch.com, alongside Evan Bernstein, CEO and National Director of Community Security Service (CSS), discuss the recent spike in antisemitic violence, the role of public figures and influencers in spreading antisemitic sentiment and what Jewish institutions can do to keep people safe.
Evan Bernstein: "We need to, as Jews, empower ourselves and not outsource, but it’s not just us alone – we need to be a force amplifier for local law enforcement and private security. We can’t do this on our own."
CSS was founded in 2007 as a nonprofit focused on providing security services to the American Jewish community. As CEO and National Director, Evan Bernstein has led its expansion across 15 states and four offices in Stamford, New York, Miami and Los Angeles. CSS has also signed national partnership agreements with the ADL Center on Extremism and the Secure Community Network. A prominent voice in his field, he is often quoted in national news sources and speaks across the United States.
Learn how antisemitism has become normalized in American society, why that has led to a rise in antisemitic rhetoric and hate crimes and how Jewish organizations can keep their people safe amidst this crisis.
Find this month’s episode of Security DNA here.
WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER
- How celebrities, influencers and social media have led to a societal rise in antisemitism.
- The way online radicalization influences the “lone wolves” who commonly target Jewish communities.
- How events in Israel often reverberate negatively on the Jewish communities in the US.
- The steps Jewish organizations must take to ensure the safety of their members.
- The value of collaborating with local law enforcement and other organizations to coordinate action plans and threat assessments.
RESOURCES
- Subscribe to our podcasts here.
- Community Security Service
- Evan Bernstein: CSS / LinkedIn / X
