Bret Stephens Calls for ADL Overhaul

  //stocks-investing.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/02/bret-stephens-calls-for-adl-overhaul.html
  Published in Stocks and Investing on Monday, February 2nd 2026 at 21:12 GMT by Jewish Telegraphic Agency
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

The Future of Fighting Antisemitism: Bret Stephens Calls for a Radical Shift in Jewish Advocacy

NEW YORK - Bret Stephens, New York Times columnist, ignited a firestorm of debate this past Sunday with a controversial proposal: dismantle the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and radically reimagine how Jewish identity and security are addressed in the 21st century. Speaking at a conference hosted by the Tikvah Fund, Stephens delivered a pointed critique of the ADL's current approach, arguing it has become reactive, ineffective, and inadvertently contributes to the very anti-Israel sentiments it seeks to combat.

For over a century, the ADL has been a cornerstone in the fight against antisemitism, monitoring hate groups, advocating for policy changes, and providing resources for communities. However, Stephens contends that the organization has morphed into a "machine of complaint," obsessively documenting grievances without proactively building a resilient and empowered Jewish future. He suggests a shift away from solely reacting to antisemitic incidents towards a more holistic strategy centered on strengthening Jewish identity, fostering communal bonds, and promoting a positive, self-defined narrative.

Stephens' central argument isn't a dismissal of the need to fight antisemitism, but a critique of the method. He believes the ADL's focus on public relations and monitoring - while important - has eclipsed its core mission. By constantly reacting to perceived slights and focusing on external validation, the organization, in Stephens' view, has ceded ground in defining what Jewish identity means and in building internal strength. His speech resonated with a specific frustration: the perception that the ADL spends more time policing language and responding to criticism than investing in positive initiatives that bolster Jewish life.

The speech touched upon the increasingly fraught intersection of antisemitism and criticism of Israel. The ADL's handling of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, in particular, drew Stephens' fire. He argued that the ADL's approach has often been counterproductive, alienating potential allies and exacerbating tensions. While the BDS movement is widely considered antisemitic by many, Stephens implies that the ADL's combative response has sometimes broadened the scope of those considered 'anti-Israel' and, by extension, created unintended consequences.

Stephens isn't alone in questioning the status quo. The Jewish community is currently experiencing a period of internal reckoning, grappling with evolving definitions of antisemitism and the best strategies to address it. Some advocate for increased security measures for synagogues and Jewish community centers, while others emphasize the importance of education, interfaith dialogue, and proactive community building. The rise of online antisemitism, fueled by social media algorithms and extremist content, adds another layer of complexity to the challenge.

Furthermore, the increasingly polarized political landscape complicates matters. The definition of antisemitism itself has become a battleground, with some accusing critics of Israel of employing antisemitic tropes, while others argue that equating all criticism of Israeli policy with antisemitism silences legitimate debate. This has placed organizations like the ADL in a difficult position, navigating a minefield of sensitivities and accusations.

Stephens' call for dismantling the ADL, while radical, is intended to provoke precisely this kind of conversation. He envisions a future where resources currently allocated to the ADL are redirected towards initiatives that actively cultivate Jewish culture, religious practice, and intellectual life. This could include funding Jewish day schools, supporting Jewish arts and scholarship, and creating programs that foster a sense of belonging and purpose among Jewish youth. He seems to suggest a shift from defensive posture to an assertive embrace of Jewish identity and values.

The reaction to Stephens' speech has been predictably divided. Supporters applaud his courage to challenge a longstanding institution and propose a bold new direction. Critics fear that dismantling the ADL would create a dangerous vacuum, leaving the Jewish community vulnerable to rising antisemitism. The debate underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and nuanced approach to combating hate, one that addresses both its external manifestations and its internal roots. Ultimately, Stephens' proposal isn't simply about the ADL; it's about the future of Jewish identity and the strategies needed to ensure its survival and flourishing in a complex and challenging world.