Educator Advocacy: Antisemitic or Anti-Israel Issues with Unions

Understanding the Challenge

Some educators may experience antisemitism and anti-Israel bias within their unions. Unfortunately, such situations have become increasingly common, with antisemitism rising within academic, professional and organizational spaces through biased resolutions, exclusionary practices and overt hostility toward Jewish, Israeli and members perceived to be supportive of the state of Israel. The growing level of antisemitic activity within teachers' unions, particularly since October 7, 2023, has created an environment where Jewish educators may face open hostility and marginalization. ADL has created a toolkit for union members to fight back against antisemitism and anti-Israel bias within their unions.  Consult the ADL union toolkit to aid your advocacy.  Below are a few high-level tips to get you started:

• Know Your Union & Your Rights 
  • Map the structure of your union, key decision-makers, and consult bylaws and the union constitution. 
  • Identify where antisemitic measures surface—committees, executive boards, delegate votes—and focus your advocacy there.
• Lead with Process-Based, Union-Focused Arguments 
  • First ask: “Does this resolution or other action violate the union’s own rules and processes?” 
  • Emphasize how antisemitic or anti-Israel actions fall outside of and distract from the union’s core mission and weaken solidarity.
• Organize & Amplify Jewish Voices 
  • Form or join Jewish affinity groups or caucuses to move from “a lone voice” to an organized constituency. 
  • Use the group to monitor resolutions, share research, and host inclusive programming on Jewish identity.
• Build Broad Alliances & Model Respectful Advocacy 
  • Partner with other caucuses by showing up for their causes and co-sponsoring events. 
  • Maintain a calm, solutions-oriented tone—prepare, practice, and prioritize respectful engagement.
• Engage Governance  
  • Run for delegate, committee, or executive roles to gain a vote and platform.
• Tap ADL Support  
  • Connect with ADL and leverage our resources to back up your advocacy with data and expertise.