Our Focus |

Combatting Antisemitism

Antisemitism is a distinct form of oppression that threatens Jewish communities and undermines inclusive democracy. Rooted in our founding commitment to Jewish social justice (tikkun olam) and our mission to advance racial, economic, and environmental justice, NCF addresses antisemitism as inseparable from the broader fight against hatred in all its forms.

In 2026, NCF launched an initiative to leverage our assets to confront rising antisemitism with courage, innovation, and cross-community solidarity. Through grantmaking, convening, and public engagement activities, the initiative is grounded in NCF’s identity as a Jewish family foundation and our belief that the most effective response to antisemitism is one rooted in solidarity—not isolation.

A Core Justice Issue

Addressing antisemitism is a core justice issue—and now is the time for greater leadership and courage from all sectors of civil society to tackle it head on. NCF approaches antisemitism through a civil rights lens that recognizes its interconnection with other forms of bigotry and hate. Antisemitism often serves as a coalition builder for broader authoritarianism, regardless of political background. We support coalition-based approaches that build solidarity across communities as an effective tool for addressing antisemitism and hate more broadly.

Follow the Data

Antisemitic attitudes and incidents are on the rise in the United States. Hate crimes against Jewish people at the highest per-capita rate among religious groups—and rising. Vandalism of synagogues and Jewish institutions, harassment in schools and workplaces, conspiracy theories circulating in political discourse, and violent attacks on Jews have no place in an American democratic society. Recent surveys reveal that younger Americans are less likely to recognize antisemitic tropes or understand the historical context of anti-Jewish hatred, and more open to antisemitic conspiracy theories about Jewish power and influence.

Nuance on Israel-Palestine

As an institution invested in the thriving of both Palestinian and Jewish Israeli communities, we believe it is both possible and values-aligned to reject antisemitism, voice criticism of Israeli government policies, and support Palestinian rights. We also recognize that antisemitic views—dual loyalty accusations, characterizations of Jewish power as uniquely malevolent, justification of political violence against Jewish people—do arise on matters related to Israel-Palestine and must be challenged. We seek to combat genuine antisemitism without infringing on the constitutional rights to free speech of any community.

Courage and Innovation

Despite significant resources devoted to combating antisemitism, we have seen little meaningful progress—and in fact, significant increases in antisemitic events and views. Like NCF’s approach to persistent societal challenges across our portfolio, we embrace experimentation, innovation, and courage. How do we address root causes rather than symptoms? What strategies might break through where traditional methods have stalled? What is the role of leaders and institutions to bring attention to our collective failure to address this problem?

Our Plans for 2026

In 2026, NCF’s antisemitism initiative aims to amplify work that:

Builds cross-community coalitions that confront antisemitism alongside other forms of bigotry and hate, strengthening solidarity across racial, ethnic, and religious lines

Supports Jewish social justice organizations working at the intersection of combating antisemitism and advancing racial, economic, and environmental justice

Elevates courageous leadership from both Jewish and non-Jewish leaders who address antisemitism as connected to the broader fight for civil rights for all

Advances innovative approaches and experimentation that address root causes of antisemitism rather than symptoms alone

Engages non-Jewish communities in understanding and responding to antisemitism as part of their own justice commitments

“Antisemitism is rising, impacting Jewish communities while dividing neighbor from neighbor precisely when we need to find our way to a shared project of justice. NCF’s values call us to respond honestly and with courage to this growing problem.”

Our Framework

“Antisemitism is rising, impacting Jewish communities while dividing neighbor from neighbor precisely when we need to find our way to a shared project of justice. NCF’s values call us to respond honestly and with courage to this growing problem.”

– Isaac Luria, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives

Racial Justice

Economic Justice

Environmental Justice

Combatting Antisemitism

Our Framework

“Antisemitism is rising, impacting Jewish communities while dividing neighbor from neighbor precisely when we need to find our way to a shared project of justice. NCF’s values call us to respond honestly and with courage to this growing problem.”

– Isaac Luria, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives

From our grants, to our investments, to our voice, we are using all of our resources to advance REEJ.

Racial Justice

Economic Justice

Environmental Justice