Anti-Defamation League (ADL) CEO Jonathan Greenblatt announced at the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC) annual summit in Washington, DC, on Tuesday an expanded partnership with NHCLC to fight antisemitism, including advocacy for Safe Worship legislation, a bilingual Sunday school curriculum, and new Church-synagogue connections.
Addressing the gathering at the Museum of the Bible, Greenblatt opened his remarks by expressing deep gratitude to the conference leadership and organizers for convening the summit.
He then turned his focus to Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, the president of the NHCLC, recalling their first meeting and reflecting on the bond they had formed. “Pastor Sam, we met as strangers, and today I think of you like a brother,” Greenblatt said.
Reflecting on the unique solidarity shown by the Hispanic Christian community, Greenblatt shared his observations from taking the NHCLC stage.
“In my work, I have spoken at the conferences of many civil rights organizations. But a year ago, I came to stand on this stage, and I saw something I had never seen before. Never once had I seen a non-Jewish community devote so much of its agenda to antisemitism. It was a true embodiment of what we learn in Leviticus, to love our neighbor as ourselves. This is an important passage,” he said.
Greenblatt stressed, “Our partnership is essential because the challenges we face are hard.” He highlighted the steadfast support the Jewish community received from the NHCLC following the October 7 attacks.
“Pastor Sam often says, ‘We are what we tolerate.’ And we will not tolerate antisemitism,” Greenblatt noted. “So what have we done together? We built resources. New sermon and prayer guides that give pastors practical tools to speak up against antisemitism and stand with the Jewish community online, in the pews, and in the public square. We built relationships face-to-face in your churches. And we are already planning visits to your congregations all the way through next year.”
Recalling the isolation faced by many Jewish organizations in the wake of October 7, 2023, Greenblatt acknowledged the distinct role played by their evangelical partners. “You know, after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, too many of our partners went quiet when we needed them. Some turned their backs entirely. You did not. You’ve been with us,” he said.
Expanded initiatives between ADL, NHCLC
Greenblatt announced the expanded initiatives being rolled out by the ADL and the NHCLC, saying, “And as we look to our second year of working together, I’m proud to announce that ADL and NHCLC are expanding our partnership.
“Together, we’ll urge Congress to pass bipartisan Safe Worship legislation, which would create a safe access zone around churches, synagogues, mosques, and other houses of worship. We will launch a new Sunday school curriculum in English and Spanish that celebrates the Land of Israel and the Jewish people, so families can learn about Jewish history and our connection to Israel.
“We will connect your churches with synagogues through Kulanu, ADL’s national network of Jewish congregations. But there’s more we can do, one-on-one, person-to-person, neighbor-to-neighbor.”
Greenblatt looked toward a future in which local churches and synagogues form tight-knit bonds of protection and friendship across every American neighborhood.
“I pray that one day, every synagogue in America has a church down the road it can call when it needs help. And the same goes the other way too. That is the America we are building. Pastors who stand up against hate. Young Christians and Jews who stand shoulder to shoulder. And neighbors who become friends.
“Twenty-five years ago, no one would have predicted [that] a Jewish organization and the largest Hispanic Christian network would stand together like this. Imagine what we will build in the next 25.”