Last week, the Biden administration released its first-ever national strategy to combat antisemitism, taking a stand against a growing problem across the country.

Over 3,600 antisemitic incidents of harassment, vandalism and assault were documented by The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in 2022 – a 36 percent increase from 2021, and is the highest number ever recorded since 1979.

While American Jews make up 2.4% of the country’s total population, they account for 63% of victims of reported hate crimes motivated by religion, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

In his nationwide announcement of the plan, titled “The U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism”, Biden said “all forms of hate and violence have no place in America.”

His administration says it’s joining forces with civil rights groups, faith leaders and federal agencies to formulate a comprehensive strategy aimed at combating antisemitism.

Just days ago, a man with a Nazi flag crashed a truck outside the White House. Over the past few years, acts of antisemitism have even led to loss of life, as with the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue mass shooting. At least 11 people were killed in the shooting.

“My community knows the pain of antisemitic violence all too well,” Tree of Life Congregation Rabbi Jeffrey Myers said in a press release. “And we continue to grapple with its long-reaching consequences.”

Myers applauded Biden’s plan: “The launch of the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism affirms what I’ve long known to be true: Antisemitism is not just a Jewish problem.”

The plan is structured around four key pillars: raising awareness, bolstering security measures, countering the normalization of hatred and fostering solidarity.

It emphasizes the importance of strengthening educational initiatives conducted by the Holocaust Memorial Museum and calls on the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security to actively engage with Jewish communities, ensuring they receive regular updates on federal training programs and available resources.

Additionally, the strategy urges technology companies to establish and enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy against hate speech. By encouraging these actions, the administration aims to create a united front against antisemitism and promote a safer environment for all.

CEO of The Anti-Defamation League, Jonathan Greenblatt, praised the strategy for its demonstrated commitment to fighting antisemitism and the concrete actions it proposes.

“It’s particularly notable that this approach recognizes that antisemitism is not about politics – it’s about principles,” said Greenblatt in a news release. “We are pleased that this strategy comprehensively addresses hate and antisemitism on campus, online, and from extremists on both the far-right and the far-left.”

Approximately 85 percent of Americans believe in at least one antisemitic stereotype. Another study found that more than three in five millennials and Gen Z didn’t know six million Jews were killed in the Holocaust.

That’s why Rep. Jerry Nadler, the most senior Jewish member of Congress, emphasized that this is just the beginning to put a stop to hate.

“Of course, the work is far from over,” said Nadler in a statement. “I look forward to working alongside the White House to bring to life the priorities brought forth by this strategy.”