No Hate In Our States – New Year, New Responsibilities
By Myra Clark-Siegel,
AJC Westchester/Fairfield
Regional Director
As the new year begins, we are given the gift of a fresh start—a chance to reflect, reimagine, and recommit ourselves to building a better world. This is a time for resolutions, not only personal but collective, to stand against hate and ignorance in all its forms. In 2025, let us resolve to hold the center, standing firm against forces that seek to divide us and weaken the bonds of our shared humanity.
As we know all too well, hatred and bias, including antisemitism, continues to rear its ugly head, often cloaked in misinformation or stereotypes that have festered for generations. It is our shared responsibility to confront these challenges with clarity and courage. Importantly, AJC, together with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs just launched Translate Hate: The Catholic Edition, an important tool designed to educate communities about the subtle and overt ways antisemitism manifests in our society (AJC.org). By empowering decision-makers, community partners, and each other with knowledge, we dismantle ignorance and build bridges of understanding.
Education is the foundation of empowerment. Initiatives like Translate Hate serve as reminders that combating prejudice requires a willingness to learn and a commitment to spreading truth. The resource is non-partisan and accessible to people of all backgrounds, embodying the values of inclusivity and mutual respect. It is a clarion call to people of faith everywhere to reflect deeply on how interfaith solidarity can help overcome entrenched biases.
At a time when polarizing rhetoric dominates headlines and public discourse, holding the center in a non-partisan approach has never been more important. This is not about choosing sides in political battles but about affirming the dignity and worth of every individual. Standing against antisemitism is not a “Jewish issue”—it is a human issue. When we allow hate to target one group, we risk eroding the moral fabric that binds us together.
Interfaith and intergroup leaders play a critical role in this effort. Their voices can inspire collective action and remind us of the common values we share. When faith communities unite to confront antisemitism, racism, and other forms of bigotry, they send a powerful message: hate has no place among us.
This new year, let us embrace new beginnings with courage and resolve. Let us educate ourselves and others, be empowered to act, and work to heal divisions in our communities. By standing together across faiths and differences, we can translate hate into hope and transform fear into solidarity. This is the work of 2024—and it starts with us.
Contact Myra Clark-Siegel, AJC Westchester/Fairfield Regional Director, at AJC@westchester.org if you wish to get involved in the work of the AJC.