ADL, Self-Proclaimed Defender of the Jewish Community, Justifies Antisemitism
Cincinnati Socialists condemns the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for its response to Elon Musk’s nazi salute at Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The ADL refuses to call out one of the most blatant forms of antisemitism there is by saying Musk made “an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm,” continuously proving the organization exists only to launder Zionism, and by extension, white supremacy and settler colonialism.
Under Jonathan Greenblatt’s (ADL’s CEO and previous Special Assistant to Barack Obama) leadership, the ADL places less emphasis on fighting anti-semitism and more emphasis on the interests of its donors, most of whom are in the Democratic Party. The ADL is the largest pro-Israel lobby group on domestic issues with $1.4 million donated in 2024, the majority of it donated to Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party Campaign.
Anti-BDS laws are in large part thanks to ADL, specifically the Israel Anti-Boycott Act. The Israeli Anti-Boycott Act is an anti-BDS law “designed to allow U.S. states to enact laws requiring contractors to sign pledges promising not to boycott any goods from Israel, or their contracts would be terminated, and to make it a federal crime, punishable by a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, for American citizens to encourage or participate in boycotts against Israel and Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.”
The ADL also works closely with law enforcement agencies, facilitating US police delegations to Israel where their focus is on counterterrorism tactics and strategies, in hopes that Israeli police are seen as a model for police in the US. US police then use these repressive tactics on their own citizens. Other programs the ADL influences are ICE, US Marshals, and Naval Criminal Investigation Services.
The ADL’s loyalty lies with the American government and Israel, not oppressed people. They actively undermine legitimate movements around the world and support the current regime under the guise of being a moral authority. It is obvious, however, that the ADL has nothing to offer people other than regurgitated taglines of the American and Israeli governments.
Understanding the current tools of oppression is necessary so we can free oppressed peoples everywhere! Only when we are all actively engaging in the class struggle and calling out the contradictions that are so evident can we build towards a free and fair society. It is our duty to call out the ADL and the rise of nationalism and REAL anti-semitism in America as well as the liars and hypocrites who defend them.