ADL to promote ‘Blue Square’ symbol to fight antisemitism

Blue Square Symbol

NEW YORK (Press Release) – ADL (the Anti-Defamation League), the world’s leading anti-hate organization, and the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate (formerly the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism), the creator of the world’s most known symbol for fighting antisemitism, on Thursday announced a partnership to combat antisemitism. Centered on expanding the reach and visibility of the Blue Square, the organizations will work together to encourage solidarity against antisemitism and all forms of hate.

First introduced in 2023, the Blue Square has emerged as a powerful symbol for demonstrating allyship, ensuring that people around the world can show kindness and support to the Jewish community. Together, the ADL and the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate will integrate Blue Squares into the ADL’s groundbreaking educational programming – including the ADL’s No Place for Hate program; toolkits and content for synagogues; and materials and content distributed to faith communities.

“We are proud to embrace the Blue Square campaign as we seek to build empathy for the Jewish people and to expand understanding about the root causes and consequences of antisemitism,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director.“The Blue Square is a powerful symbol of allyship and solidarity in the fight against hate.”

“The Blue Square serves as a universal symbol for unity and solidarity. It’s a call to action that demonstrates we are strongest when we stand together, arm in arm as sisters and brothers, united by our shared values,” said Robert Kraft, Founder of the Blue Square Alliance. “At a time when there is far too much divisiveness in our country, this is when we need the unity that the Blue Square represents most. By partnering with the ADL, we are amplifying our mission to stand up to Jewish hate and all hate and are expanding the reach of the Blue Square to reach more Americans in communities across our country in order to fight hate together.”

ADL will present Kraft with its prestigious Changemaker Award at the Never Is Now Summit on March 16-17 at the Javits Center in New York City. The Changemaker Award is presented to a leader in the fields of sports or entertainment who has used their platform and position to affect positive change in the world, recognizing individuals who have advocated for justice and fair treatment to all.

“With the rise in antisemitic violence and hate over the past few years, it can often feel like there’s little that people can do to stand up. Sharing the Blue Square — by wearing it every day, passing out pins at churches and synagogues, and posting it online — can help our country speak with one voice that there’s no place for hate,” said Adam Katz, President of the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate. “We’re excited to work closely with the Anti-Defamation League to bring the Blue Square to more people across the country, ensuring we all have a way to stand up to hate.”

The collaboration comes at a critical time. According to ADL’s 2024 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, there were 9,354 antisemitic incidents across the United States in 2024—the highest number recorded since ADL began tracking this data 46 years ago. This represents a 344 percent increase over the past five years. According to the Blue Square Alliance’s proprietary research, antisemitic attitudes are now held by 25% of the population — an increase of 26 million people in just 18 months. While Jews account for only 2% of the U.S. population, they are the target of nearly 70% of faith-based hate.

*

Preceding provided by the Anti-Defamation League.