BROWARD COUNTY, FL- Commissioners have approved $250,000 to sponsor a countywide pilot program developed by the American Jewish Committee to discourage antisemitism and other forms of hate.
The American Jewish Committee, which has established a task force to implement the White House's U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, will carry out the program through educational initiatives, a community summit, training sessions and a widespread public awareness campaign.
"Broward County will become a model for this project. All of our libraries will participate in educational initiatives and opportunities for all people to learn in our community. This deals with all hate, not just antisemitism, all discrimination," said Vice Mayor Nan Rich.
"Broward County is a welcoming and inclusive county. Programs like this offer the opportunity to grow and learn," said Broward Mayor Lamar P. Fisher.
"Our Board of County Commissioners unanimously supports our partnership with the American Jewish Committee and their efforts to educate our community about the dangers of antisemitism and any expression of hate. Through our commitment, we can share the importance of embracing diversity in our community," said Monica Cepero, County Administrator.
The program engages Broward's 37 libraries to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month in May 2024 with various displays and books that showcase the positive contributions that Jewish Americans have made throughout history. Libraries will also feature special films, speakers, and concerts as part of the program.
"This Commission has adopted the International Holocaust definition of antisemitism. We have a diverse community and I'm hoping we're going to address the wide plethora of hate that exists whether it be anti-Zionism, antisemitism, white supremacy, Islamophobia" said Commissioner Michael Udine.
The program contract includes a Combating Antisemitism Community Summit to take place in May to bring together local elected officials, non-profit organizations, and inter-faith partners for community engagement to develop concrete steps to recognize, respond to and prevent antisemitism.
"I think this program is needed now more than ever with what is going on in the world today," said Commissioner Mark Bogen.
The American Jewish Committee will also deliver a series of antisemitism training seminars for elected officials, law enforcement, corporations, sports teams, educational institutions, non-profit and other community organizations to recognize and raise awareness about antisemitism and other forms of hate.
A widespread public service campaign will promote the program through the use of digital advertising and social media messaging.
More information on the planned program can be found here. The American Jewish Committee is a nonprofit organization that advocates and educates to counter antisemitism and to advance democratic values in South Florida, the United States, and around the world.
October 27, 2023
Media Contact:
Kimberly Maroe
Broward County Commission Media Relations/PIO
Office of Public Communications
(954) 357-8053
kmaroe@broward.org