Adam Milstein's Five-Point Plan to Confront Modern Antisemitism

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Understanding the Rise of Antisemitism and Effective Countermeasures

Antisemitism has surged to alarming levels globally, particularly following October 7, 2023. This increase has been observed on college campuses, social media platforms, city streets, and international forums, with hostility toward Jews reaching a scale not seen in decades. Adam Milstein, an Israeli-American philanthropist with over two decades of experience combating antisemitism, has developed a comprehensive five-point methodology to address this growing threat effectively.

Milstein’s approach, documented through various articles and interviews, is built upon lessons learned from his extensive activism. His plan offers practical guidance for individuals and organizations working to confront antisemitism today.

Recognizing Diverse Threat Sources

The first principle in Milstein’s methodology involves accurately identifying the varied origins of antisemitism. He emphasizes what he calls the “Islamo-leftist alliance,” a partnership between Middle Eastern Islamists and Western progressives who are united against Israel and often Jews in general.

Milstein highlights that the Jewish community has come to recognize antisemitism as a current and urgent danger rather than a relic of the past. This shift marks a significant change from earlier decades when many American Jews viewed antisemitism primarily as historical. His analysis acknowledges threats across the political spectrum, including dangers from white supremacists, Black Hebrew Israelites, and radical leftists. This comprehensive approach avoids partisan blind spots that focus exclusively on one political direction while ignoring others.

Pursuing Legal and Political Remedies

The second element of Milstein’s strategy focuses on legal and political channels to counter antisemitism. Through the Adam and Gila Milstein Family Foundation, established in 2000, Milstein funds organizations that pursue legal action against antisemitic discrimination. This includes supporting lawsuits against campus discrimination targeting Jewish students, advocating for legislation that recognizes and penalizes antisemitism, and monitoring the enforcement of existing civil rights protections.

Educational institutions receive particular attention. Following anti-Israel encampments at universities like Columbia, Milstein’s foundation backed groups that documented antisemitic incidents and pursued appropriate legal actions. This recognition has led to more aggressive and coordinated legal responses to antisemitism, especially on college campuses where the issue has been most visible.

Changing Media Narratives

Milstein’s third focus area involves challenging antisemitic narratives in traditional and social media. He criticizes media bias regarding Israel, funding organizations that monitor reporting and correct misleading narratives. The Milstein Family Foundation supports groups like HonestReporting and Palestinian Media Watch, which work to ensure accurate and contextualized coverage of Israel and Jewish issues.

In his writings, Milstein discusses how the media portrays so-called “pro-Palestinian” protests, which are often “drenched in antisemitic rhetoric, anti-Jewish venom, or stereotypical tropes.” This includes support for Hamas and Hezbollah as well as chants of “from the river to the sea,” a phrase widely regarded to mean “the complete annihilation of the Jewish state.”

Beyond reactive responses, Milstein advocates proactively sharing compelling pro-American and pro-Israeli narratives that humanize issues often presented abstractly. This approach counters dehumanization that frequently underlies antisemitism.

Forming Diverse Coalitions

Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of Milstein’s methodology is his emphasis on building alliances across religious, ethnic, and political divides. Rather than limiting outreach to natural allies, he advocates engaging with any group willing to oppose antisemitism, regardless of disagreements on other issues.

Milstein believes that fighting antisemitism requires broad support, transcending partisan divisions. Through his foundation, he funds organizations bridging Jewish-Christian relations, such as Christians United for Israel and Israel Christian Nexus. He also promotes partnerships with other minority groups facing discrimination, recognizing how antisemitism connects to broader struggles against bigotry.

This coalition approach contrasts with strategies that limit outreach to ideologically aligned groups. Milstein argues that such limitations weaken antisemitism resistance by reducing potential allies and reinforcing political divisions.

Mobilizing Young Jewish Leaders

The final component of Milstein’s strategy focuses on engaging and empowering younger Jews to combat antisemitism effectively. He recognizes that while older generations contribute financial resources and institutional knowledge, younger activists bring energy, technological expertise, and fresh perspectives.

Through the Impact Forum, which he co-founded in Los Angeles in 2017, Milstein created platforms where Jews and non-Jews across age groups collaborate against antisemitism. The forum experienced significant growth following October 7, channeling post-attack energy into sustainable action.

Milstein emphasizes that young Jews are gathering not just to show solidarity but to take meaningful action. He notes that teenagers are particularly impressionable and deeply affected by the social dynamics of their peers.

From Theory to Practice

Milstein’s approach distinguishes itself through practical implementation. Rather than presenting abstract principles, he provides concrete participation pathways at multiple levels. For philanthropists, he demonstrates giving methods that maximize impact through his own foundation’s grants. For community leaders, he outlines coalition-building approaches crossing traditional boundaries. For individual activists, he suggests specific actions contributing to broader movement success.

One example of Milstein’s practical approach is his support for StandWithUs, an organization that works with teens on their high school campuses and empowers them to educate their peers about Israel and combat antisemitism.

Looking Forward

As Jewish communities worldwide continue addressing the aftermath of October 7, Milstein’s five-point plan provides direction for converting crisis response into sustained antisemitism resistance. His approach balances immediate protective measures with longer-term strategies for changing cultural and political environments.

Milstein concludes that with the right direction and philanthropic expertise, the determination of today’s Jewish community will lead to a more vibrant and secure future for the Jewish people. Through published articles, targeted philanthropy, and deliberate coalition-building, Milstein helps ensure Jewish responses to antisemitism move beyond reaction toward calculated action, addressing immediate threats while creating foundations for long-term security.