Antisemitism is, unfortunately, a fact of life in the United States and around the world. Jewish people continue to experience harassment, discrimination, and violence. Antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories exacerbate the problem.
Antisemitism does not exist in isolation; it both reflects and accelerates the erosion of democratic norms, institutions, and trust, emerging alongside other forms of hate and prejudice that collectively weaken the social fabric and the shared commitments on which all communities depend.
And while naming antisemitism and its impact is necessary, what truly matters is our shared responsibility to confront it.
This is a moment to push back collectively, within and beyond the Jewish community.
Moving Forward Together
Antisemitism is complex, deeply rooted, and shaped by social, political, and cultural forces. Addressing it requires intellectual curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. We need to pursue new ideas and be willing to cross traditional boundaries to find them.
No single organization, community, or ideology can meet this challenge alone. The pursuit of solutions requires acknowledging what we do not yet know, remaining open to learning, and committing to collective effort.
Nathan Cummings Foundation approaches this work as part of a broader justice journey and our commitment to Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice (REEJ). As an institution rooted in the Jewish tradition of tikkun olam, repairing the world, our commitment to social justice and Jewish values has long guided our work across our focus areas, which includes being in partnership with leaders across REEJ.
We believe that our pursuit of justice is incomplete if it does not also address antisemitism. Antisemitism is oppression and is inseparable from broader struggles against bigotry, exclusion, and threats to democratic life. Addressing it strengthens movements, deepens solidarity, and reinforces the conditions necessary for collective progress.
Recognizing and engaging this challenge is essential to building a more just, inclusive, and democratic society and advancing our pursuit of REEJ.
A Framework for Learning and Action
Our founding Jewish values and our commitment to REEJ , data, and dialogue have guided our development of a framework to combat antisemitism. It will inform our grantmaking decisions, partnerships, and public communications.
At its core, there are five commitments:
- Grounding our work in values of dignity, justice, and care for the vulnerable.
- Treating antisemitism as a core justice issue within our broader racial, economic, and environmental justice framework.
- Following the data and the lived experiences of Jewish communities.
- Holding nuance on Israel‑Palestine, rejecting antisemitism that denies Jewish self-determination or justifies violence against Jewish communities while supporting Palestinian rights and free expression.
- Embracing courage, experimentation, and innovation in pursuit of solutions.
This framework is not a declaration of certainty. It is a starting point for learning, dialogue, and collective contribution.
What This Means for Our Work
In the months ahead, this framework will transform into action. We benefit from an external advisory team that aids our grantmaking, helps us access additional resources, and creates opportunities for thoughtful dialogue and new ideas. We will also award a prize to honor leadership and innovative contributions in the field later this year.
We understand that no effort will singularly solve antisemitism. Our aim is progress through meaningful and measurable impact. This journey for us will be about learning and maximizing our resources.
Our approach is grounded in intellectual humility and collective partnership. Ultimately, we believe it is possible that together, we can make meaningful contributions toward solutions.
We welcome and applaud all of those who are bringing attention to this issue with their funds, knowledge, and commitment to solutions.
If you would like to learn more about partnering with us in 2026 and beyond, please contact NCF’s Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, Isaac Luria. (Isaac.Luria@nathancummings.org).
Sincerely,
Rey Ramsey, President & CEO
Amy Sorensen Ben Dov, Board Chair
