AJC CEO Ted Deutch, Gov. Josh Shapiro Say Fight Against Antisemitism Must Be Bipartisan

Monday evening, at American Jewish Committee (AJC) Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey's 80th Anniversary Celebration: Shaping a New Future, AJC CEO Ted Deutch was joined by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro for a conversation about antisemitism, the future of Jewish communities in Pennsylvania and across the nation, and growing political polarization not only in Philadelphia but throughout the country.

"When it comes to antisemitism, it is incredibly important for everyone to understand that there is no nuance," said Governor Shapiro. "Antisemitism, bigotry, and hatred in all forms is not okay. Everyone in a position of public trust - and everyone in our communities - has a responsibility to speak and act with moral clarity and speak out against it. It doesn't matter who is sharing those sentiments - if they're members of your own party, if they're people you might otherwise agree with on some other issue - we have a responsibility to speak out against it and we have a responsibility as a community to be unified against antisemitism, hatred, bigotry in all forms."

Along with reminiscing about how they both lost their first run for elected office - Deutch in the 5th Grade and Shapiro in Grade 11 for the student council - they spoke about key issues affecting Pennsylvania, the Jewish community, and the country. They discussed how the Governor's faith helps to ground him and his family - especially around the Shabbat table - and the importance of Jews being able to come together as a community over the last 15 months, during times of extreme grief and difficulty. They noted that wherever and whenever antisemitism occurs, it must be called out - whether it comes from Democrats or Republicans.

When asked about the antisemitic term "Genocide Josh," Shapiro said that while it did not impact the way he was going to campaign or show up publicly, he expressed concern that this type of rhetoric may make Jews around the country question showing pride in their Jewish identities. He regretted that some universities didn't keep their students safe in the way they should have - and that there are some campuses who have "lost their way" but are now "moving in the right direction," restoring students' feelings of safety on campus. He noted that university leaders must also hold faculty accountable and must ensure that they are teaching facts and not encouraging students to break the rules that are meant to keep their campuses not only safe but also welcoming for all students. While protest is a right - and it is important for all viewpoints to be heard - it must not come at the expense of the safety of others.

Governor Shapiro is the only Governor in the country with a split legislature, and he noted that it is necessary in Pennsylvania to build coalitions and reach across the aisle to make progress in the Commonwealth. Deutch and Shapiro discussed the importance of bipartisan support for Israel, with Shapiro noting that politicizing support for the Jewish state is not in the long-term interest of Israel and its supporters.

"We were thrilled to be joined by Governor Shapiro to celebrate 80 years of AJC Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey's advocacy and work in the Commonwealth," said Deutch. "AJC is a nonpartisan organization, and at a time of increasing polarization, as the Governor noted, it is imperative that the nationwide fight against antisemitism and U.S. support for Israel remain strong and bipartisan. AJC is proud to partner with principled leaders like Governor Shapiro to address issues of concern to the American Jewish community."

For eight decades, AJC Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey has worked tirelessly across Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware to build bridges among diverse communities, influence local, national, and international policies, support students on college campuses, and advance AJC's broader global priorities.

"AJC Philadelphia/SNJ is proud of our legacy as the first region chartered outside of NYC to advocate for the safety and welfare of the Jewish people," said Marcia Bronstein, regional director of AJC Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey. "We will continue this 80-year-old tradition of fighting antisemitism, creating allies for Israel, and safeguarding human rights and democratic values - and furthering AJC's mission - in the 80 years to come."

AJC is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. With headquarters in New York, 25 regional offices across the United States, 15 overseas posts, as well as partnerships with 38 Jewish community organizations worldwide, AJC's mission is to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world. For more, please visit www.ajc.org .

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