“Hate Has No Home Here” Campaign

We believe that every Berkshire resident has the right to live, work, love, and worship with freedom and dignity and without fear.

Antisemitism has been escalating across our community, our country, and the world. Historically, surges in antisemitism have served as a harbinger for broader waves of discrimination against marginalized communities of all kinds, often fueling a dangerous escalation of hate and violence in society. We all share the responsibility to directly confront bigotry and hate of all forms. Now is the time for us to join together and declare that HATE HAS NO HOME HERE in Berkshire County.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Partner with us: We will provide, at no cost, 17”x 11” color posters announcing “Hate Has No Home Here” to hang in your business, office, house of worship, or school. Partners will also be promoted through our PR and social media.
Amplify the message on your website, in your e-blasts and on social media: Download the social media graphic and use in your eblasts, on your website, and post it on your Facebook and Instagram pages. (Social media messaging will be added soon)
Be an ally: Speak out when you hear antisemitic slurs and tropes or derogatory comments towards any marginalized community. Silence sends the message that such remarks are acceptable and normalizes it. Show your support to those impacted
Advocate against antisemitism and all forms of hate: Check out the resources and links on this page to see how you can make sure the hate has no home in your place of work, school, or community.

ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN: The Jewish Federation is partnering with local chambers, businesses, cultural organizations, houses of worship, and schools to amplify the message that “Hate Has No Home Here” through posters, social media, and lawn signs (in the spring.) In addition, there will be billboards across the Berkshires in December, January, and February with the expanded message “Antisemitism threatens us all – Hate Has No Home Here.”

WHY NOW? Antisemitism in the Berkshires has existed for years. However, since the violent attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists on October 7, antisemitism has been escalating precipitously. The most recent FBI data show religiously motivated hate crimes have more than doubled since 2020, with anti-Jewish motivated crimes accounting for over 60% of those reported. In 2023, Massachusetts experienced a 189% increase in antisemitic incidents over the previous year. Within those numbers, harassment was up 444%, physical assaults doubled, and vandalism rose by 70%. Massachusetts recorded the 5th highest number of incidents in the entire US.

Locally, the Jewish community has experienced hate emails sent to Jewish leaders, threatening social media posts, bomb threats at local congregations, and conspiracy theory accusations broadcasted on a local email list-serve. Jewish-owned businesses and individuals have been harrassed and targeted with hostile comments, stickers, and graffiti.