Organisations such as Google, H&M, National Basketball Association (NBA), Comcast NBCUniversal, National Football League (NFL) and Zoom, have joined forces with Shine A Light to address rising antisemitism through workplace diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives; coinciding with Hanukkah (Chanukah) celebrations this year (between 7-15 December 2022).
According to Shine A Light, a platform committed to uniting companies, organisations and individuals to raise awareness about modern antisemitism, 25% of American Jews have been targeted by antisemitism over the past year. This unconscious bias has permeated all levels of society, including professional environments.
Half of Jews report being treated differently in the workplace due to their Jewish identity, showcasing why standing up to antisemitism in the workplace is so important, especially at this time of the year. However, unlike other minority groups and communities, antisemitism awareness is often not included in corporate DEI efforts. This is because the Jewish community is frequently not seen as a cultural minority in the workplace.
TACKLING THE GLOBAL RISE IN ANTISEMITISM
Shine A Light is playing a critical role to equip companies with the resources needed to bring attention to the Jewish experience at work. It is partnering with major corporate entities and institutions across industries to inspire and enact lasting change in the workplace.
With the global rise in antisemitism, Shine A Light’s mission to stand up to the harmful prejudices and stereotypes against the Jewish community is more critical than ever. It is providing corporate partners with antisemitism awareness resources to include in DEI programmes, as well as employee resource groups (ERG).
ESTABLISHING MORE INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES
“Antisemitism is one of the most destructive forms of hatred. And we must work together with urgency to confront it,” said Google Chief Diversity Officer Melonie Parker. “We proudly stand with our friends and neighbours of the Jewish faith again this year through Shine A Light, and every day, in solidarity against antisemitism.”
Shine A Light is working with corporate partners to establish a more inclusive workplace for all, by working with key executives and decision-makers through initiatives, such as creating public statements of support for the Jewish community; ongoing in-person and virtual staff training seminars; establishing Jewish ERGs; and reviewing policies on religious accommodations to ensure they are inclusive.
ACTION AGAINST ANTISEMITISM
“We’re honoured to return as a partner of the Shine A Light coalition and bring vital awareness to the dangers of antisemitism,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “There is no place for antisemitism or hate of any kind in football, sports, or society. And we each must play a role to end it. We stand in solidarity with our Jewish fans, employees and the Jewish community around the world, not only this Chanukah, but always.”
Shine A Light’s corporate partners include Fortune 500 companies from a variety of industries including beauty, CPG, entertainment, finance, tech, sports, travel, and more. For resources and tools to respond to antisemitism in the workplace, click here.
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According to a report carried out last year, global companies were failing to support Jewish employees during an unprecedented global spike in antisemitism. Click here to read more.
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