ADL and JCPA diverge over teachers union, exposing a divide over how to fight antisemitism

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) have publicly disagreed on the most effective strategy to combat antisemitism within the National Education Association (NEA) following reports of harassment at last year's convention. The JCPA, in collaboration with the NEA's Jewish Affairs Caucus, announced new policies aimed at ensuring Jewish members' safety while upholding free speech. However, the ADL criticized this "so-called 'agreement'," stating it was reached without full caucus leadership and that the NEA's inconsistent enforcement of protections makes Jewish educators a low priority. Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the JCPA, defended their approach, stating, "When you can't criticize substance, you find reasons to criticize process." The ADL advocates for a more confrontational stance, empowering Jewish educators, while the JCPA emphasizes direct collaboration with institutions. This divergence highlights a broader tension within Jewish civil rights groups regarding engagement versus confrontation in addressing antisemitism.