The Anti-Defamation League has compiled a list of 10 significant issues and events in 2013 that the organization determines could affect the lives of Jews worldwide.
1. World powers negotiate with Iran, with limited results.
2. In a visit to Jerusalem, President Obama urges a two-state solution.
3. Supreme Court decisions change landscape for civil rights in America.
4. Attacks against Jews increase globally; neo-Nazis gain traction in Europe.
5. Election of Pope Francis bodes well for Catholic-Jewish relations.
6. Syrian civil war prompts a refugee crisis; Assad fires chemical weapons.
7. Anti-Semitism challenges Internet providers.
8. U.S. spearheads new round of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
9. Anti-Israel activity spreads on American college campuses.
10. Anti-Semitism declines domestically, but concerns remain.
“The diplomatic talks in Geneva over Iran’s nuclear program were a serious gamble for the U.S. and the other five countries involved,” said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL national director. “And now that there’s a limited initial agreement on the table, there is also an open question of Iran being truly serious about conceding its nuclear weapons program and arriving at a comprehensive final agreement.”
Barry Curtiss-Lusher, ADL national chair, also cited significant changes to the civil rights landscape, referring to the Supreme Court’s decision to declare a key section of the Defense of Marriage Act as unconstitutional, as well as striking down a critical component of the Voting Rights Act.
The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is dedicated to fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.
