Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey launches Center to Combat Antisemitism

Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey (JFHNJ) has launched the Center to Combat Antisemitism and Reinforce Multicultural Acceptance (CARMA), an initiative to address antisemitism and all forms of identity-based hate across Middlesex and Monmouth counties.

"CARMA’s mission is rooted in the belief that education and dialogue are the most powerful tools in combating hate," Stacy Gallin, CARMA’s director and founding director of the Ferencz Institute for Ethics, Human Rights and the Holocaust, said in a news release. "By equipping individuals with local solutions for addressing often nuanced issues head-on, we can create lasting change in our communities."

CARMA, which grew out of the Center to Combat Antisemitism (CCA), a partnership between Marlboro Jewish Center and the Ferencz Institute, was started in response to a rise in antisemitism in Middlesex and Monmouth counties, particularly in the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.

CARMA's strategy to reduce antisemitism and other forms of identity-based hate includes education, community liaison services, dialogue, and a new support hotline.

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CARMA is working with state officials to integrate antisemitism education into public schools. Upcoming initiatives include teacher training, community courses on antisemitism, and partnerships with colleges to prepare students how to cope with potential hate incidents on campus.

CARMA was introduced at an Oct. 7 Commemoration ceremony in Marlboro where the keynote speaker was photojournalist Shye Klein, who documented the events of Oct. 7 at the Nova Festival and his escape.

For more information, visit carmacenter.org or contact CARMA at 732-588-1860 or info@carmacenter.org.

email: cmakin@gannettnj.com

Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com , part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin . To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey launches Center to Combat Antisemitism