From Inspiration to Action: Reflections on the ADL’s Never Is Now Conference
By: Aaron Herman
The ADL’s Never Is Now Conference was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when students, celebrities, influencers, and organizations unite to learn, connect, and drive meaningful change. From dynamic plenaries to thought-provoking breakout sessions, the event underscored the urgent need to address antisemitism in all its forms—locally and globally.
As I took time to reflect on the experience, one session in particular stood out. It featured content creators and influencers navigating today’s challenging digital landscape. One voice that especially resonated with me was Zack Sage Fox—a bold and fearless advocate who has been at the forefront of exposing antisemitism and anti-Israel bias through dynamic, viral content. His videos have reached millions, shedding light on hatred on college campuses, in communities, and abroad.
Zack said something that struck me deeply:
“Nobody is coming to save us—and we shouldn’t need tragedy to feel proud to be Jewish.”
That hit home. His words were a wake-up call, reminding us that the time for waiting is over. We each have a role to play. Whether it’s creating content, educating others, or having difficult conversations with friends and family—we must act. You don’t need a huge platform. You just need to do something. Don’t wait for the perfect post or the most likes. Impact starts with intention.
These moments of clarity are why gatherings like Never Is Now matter. In a world growing darker with hate, we need these sparks of light and unity to fuel us forward.
Hate on the Rise: A Crisis We Can’t Ignore
The inspiration from the conference feels even more urgent in light of the ADL’s latest report on antisemitism in America. The 2024 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents reveals a heartbreaking truth: hate is not only on the rise—it’s breaking records.
- 9,354 antisemitic incidents were recorded across the U.S. in 2024, a 5% increase from 2023.
- That’s a 344% jump over five years and an 893% surge compared to a decade ago.
- This marks the highest total since the ADL began tracking in 1979.
This hate knows no borders. Every state—including Washington, D.C.—reported incidents.
Key trends include:
- Assaults: Up 21%, affecting 250 victims.
- Vandalism: Rose 20%, with 2,606 documented acts.
- Harassment: Reached 6,552 cases.
- Israel/Zionism references: Present in 58% of all incidents—many linked to anti-Israel protests, where chants and signs often crossed the line into outright antisemitism.
College Campuses in Crisis
One of the most alarming findings: antisemitism on college campuses skyrocketed 84% in 2024, reaching 1,694 incidents. Campuses—meant to be spaces of learning and dialogue—are becoming breeding grounds for hate and intimidation. These now account for 18% of all reported incidents.
Jewish Institutions Under Threat
While there was a 14% drop in incidents at Jewish institutions, threats remain persistent and severe. Bomb threats, protests outside synagogues, and harassment have become disturbingly normalized.
The Road Ahead: What We Must Do
This report isn’t just numbers—it’s a wake-up call. Antisemitism is here, it’s growing, and it won’t go away unless we rise to confront it.
We need policymakers who take this seriously. Schools and universities that safeguard their students. Tech platforms that do more than lip service. And most importantly, we need people—you, me, all of us—to stand up, speak out, and take action.
Let’s not wait for another tragedy to find our voice. Let’s use it now. Because if this year taught us anything, it’s that silence helps hate. And action—no matter how small—can make a difference.