Bret Stephens Proposes Redirecting Resources from the ADL to Strengthen Jewish Communal Life

By: Jeff Gorman

In a provocative address recently delivered at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan, Bret Stephens, the highly influential conservative columnist for The New York Times and founder of the Jewish thought journal Sapir, articulated a radical departure from conventional strategies in combating antisemitism. His remarks, characterized by a striking blend of acerbic wit and earnest conviction, painted a stark picture of the current landscape of Jewish identity and the enduring specter of antisemitism. As reported by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) on Wednesday. Stephens characterized antisemitism as an “axis of the perfidious, the despotic, the hypocritical, the cynical, the deranged, and the incurably stupid.” He challenged the efficacy of traditional responses to this age-old hatred, advocating instead for a transformative approach centered on nurturing Jewish life itself.

Stephens’ address, part of the long-standing “State of World Jewry” tradition at the 92nd Street Y, resonated deeply within a community grappling with the complexities of identity in a world marked by rising antisemitism. His central thesis posited that the current strategies employed by Jewish defense organizations, including the prominent Anti-Defamation League (ADL), are fundamentally misguided. Rather than continuing to pour resources into combating antisemitism through education, advocacy, and monitoring—efforts that he argues have yielded little tangible progress—Stephens urged a reevaluation of priorities. He contended that the fight against antisemitism is an exercise in futility, stating, “What we call the fight against antisemitism… is a well-meaning but mostly wasted effort.”

In an undisguised critique of the ADL’s role in this struggle, Stephens suggested that its resources and energies would be better directed towards bolstering Jewish life through substantial investments in Jewish day schools, cultural institutions, philanthropy, and religious leadership. “We have superb Jewish day schools, but we need many more of them,” he asserted, emphasizing the need for a concerted effort to strengthen the Jewish community from within. “If there’s no room at the table, build your own table,” he quoted composer Philip Glass, reinforcing his call for self-sufficiency and resilience.

This radical reorientation of focus was accompanied by Stephens’ declaration that antisemitism is largely impervious to the traditional appeals to tolerance or the showcasing of Jewish accomplishments. The JTA report indicated that in his view, the notion that greater knowledge and understanding of Jewish history, coupled with Holocaust education, would alleviate antisemitic sentiments is fundamentally flawed. Instead, he framed antisemitism as a manifestation of societal resentment against Jewish distinctiveness and success, suggesting that it thrives in environments where Jewish communities flourish. “They do not hate us because of our faults and failures,” he elucidated. “They hate us because of our virtues and successes.”

In a subsequent conversation with Rabbi David Ingber, the Y’s senior director for Jewish life, Stephens expanded on his vision for Jewish identity, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in how Jewish communities perceive themselves. He articulated a desire for young Jews to cultivate a sense of identity that transcends victimhood. Rather than being defined solely by their experiences of persecution or trauma, Stephens argued that Jewish identity should be rooted in cultural richness, intellectual vigor, and a robust commitment to communal life. “That cannot be the locus of Jewish identity,” he asserted, calling for a narrative that foregrounds Jewish contributions to society rather than a defensive posture against historical grievances.

His remarks elicited a measured response from Jonathan Greenblatt, the ADL’s CEO, who was present in the audience. The JTA reported that Greenblatt acknowledged Stephens as a friend and recognized the “powerful and provocative” nature of his thoughts on Jewish identity. However, he contended that Stephens’ critique of antisemitism mitigation efforts was misguided. Greenblatt articulated the essential role of the ADL in monitoring hate crimes, providing security training, and gathering intelligence to thwart potential threats against the Jewish community. “You will not have a strong Jewish community if you don’t have a safe Jewish community,” he stated, countering the notion that investment in defense mechanisms is incompatible with the promotion of cultural and educational initiatives.

The dialogue surrounding the ADL and its strategies unfolds against a backdrop of intensified scrutiny from both the left and right of the political spectrum. Critics from the left have decried the organization for its Israel advocacy and perceived alignment with the Trump administration, while right-wing commentators have accused it of supporting “woke” policies and failing to effectively counteract antisemitism across the ideological spectrum. Greenblatt’s defense of the ADL as a longstanding anti-hate organization reflects a broader concern: the tendency to politicize the fight against antisemitism, which, he warns, could prove detrimental to the cohesion of the Jewish community itself.

In the context of this evolving discourse, Stephens’ address resonates with a growing sentiment among certain segments of the Jewish community, particularly those aligned with center-right perspectives. The recent trend of speakers at the “State of World Jewry” event, which has prominently featured figures like Dan Senor and Bari Weiss, underscores a shift in the narrative surrounding Jewish identity and the response to antisemitism, as was reported by the JTA. Both Senor and Weiss have similarly advocated for introspection and investment in Jewish institutions as a means of fostering resilience in the face of external threats.

Yet, this perspective is met with resistance from voices on the Jewish left, who argue that a more nuanced understanding of antisemitism is necessary. Prominent writers such as Eric Alterman and Michelle Goldberg have sought to bridge the ideological divide, emphasizing the importance of liberal values while distinguishing between anti-Zionism and antisemitism. Their critiques highlight a perceived chasm between a conservative Jewish establishment and a more liberal Jewish majority that feels increasingly alienated from traditional narratives.

Stephens’ assertions regarding the ineffectiveness of current antisemitism mitigation strategies are underscored by alarming statistics regarding the persistence of antisemitic beliefs. He pointed out that polling data reveals a disturbing trend among younger generations, with one in five millennials and Gen Z individuals believing that Jews caused the Holocaust, as was noted in the JTA report. Such statistics serve as a stark reminder that traditional methods of combating hatred have not translated into a measurable decrease in antisemitic attitudes.

In articulating his vision for Jewish renewal, Stephens reframed the discourse around the so-called “Oct. 8 Jews,” a term he coined to denote those who awoke in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks on Israel with a renewed sense of identity and purpose. “What I should have said was that the ‘Oct. 8 Jew’ was the one who woke up trying to remember who he or she truly is,” he remarked, suggesting that this moment of crisis could serve as a catalyst for deeper engagement with Jewish identity and community.

As Stephens’ address unfolded, it became evident that his call for a reimagined approach to Jewish life is not merely a critique of existing frameworks but a clarion call for empowerment and self-determination. His vision envisions a vibrant Jewish community fortified by robust institutions that celebrate cultural heritage and foster a sense of belonging. This emphasis on self-sufficiency and resilience reflects a broader philosophical stance that prioritizes the cultivation of a positive Jewish identity over a defensive posture rooted in victimization.

However, the path forward is fraught with challenges. The JTA report observed that the complexities of contemporary antisemitism, coupled with the varying perspectives within the Jewish community, require a nuanced understanding and a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue. As demonstrated by the hecklers who interrupted Stephens’ conversation with Ingber, dissenting voices exist within the community, reflecting a diversity of opinions on how best to navigate the current moment.

Bret Stephens’ address at the 92nd Street Y serves as a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding Jewish identity and the fight against antisemitism. His call for a radical reorientation of resources towards the cultivation of Jewish life, alongside a rejection of victimhood as a central tenet of identity, challenges long-held assumptions and invites a renewed examination of the strategies employed by Jewish organizations. As the Jewish community grapples with the complexities of identity in an ever-changing landscape, the ideas presented by Stephens, as reported by the JTA, may provide a blueprint for resilience and renewal in the face of persistent adversity.