ISGAP Statement

The Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP) is an international academic institute dedicated to scholarly research into the origins, processes, and manifestations of global antisemitism and of other forms of prejudice, including racism.

Given recent manifestations of racism and police brutality, as well as growing antisemitism, racism and xenophobia globally and within the United States, ISGAP stands in solidarity with the African American community and all those taking a stand in the struggle for respect, civil and basic human rights, including the democratic principle that all citizens are equal under one legal system. 

Natan Sharansky, the ISGAP Chair stated, “We must respond to antisemitism and racism from all sectors of society and from all parts of the political spectrum, including the extreme left and right, and from societal institutions.  Tolerating hatred of any kind erodes the rights of all citizens and weakens our democratic institutions.” 

Professor Elie Weisel, Holocaust survivor and witness, as well as the first Honorary President of ISGAP, taught that antisemitism begins with the Jews, but it never ends with the Jews.  Once hate is unleashed upon society, it knows no boundaries.    

Charles Asher Small, Executive Director of ISGAP, stated, “Hatred of any kind, including racism and antisemtism, once unleashed knows no boundaries.  At ISGAP we are concerned by recent manifestations of racism and antisemitism and the rise of radical extremism that espouse intolerance to communities that have been targeted by hatred historically.”  Small continues: “In a time of the growing fragmentation of our society, where radicals preaching hate are gaining traction, people of goodwill must build bridges based on respect and understanding, and work to promote human rights and dignity for all citizens.”

Charles Asher Small went on to state, “ISGAP will halt all of its activities for 48 hours, as a gesture to stand in solidarity with the African American community, and with all those of diverse backgrounds standing for civil and human rights, including the crucial notion of equality under one legal system.”    

In doing so ISGAP hopes that this gesture will contribute to a renewed sense of solidarity between all communities committed to respecting all citizens regardless of race, religion, and gender. 

During this 48 hour suspension of operations, we reflect upon the August 28th anniversary of the 1955 murder of Emmett Till and the 1963 March on Washington.

Natan Sharansky, ISGAP Chair

Dennis Bennie, ISGAP President of the Advisory Board

Charles Asher Small, ISGAP Executive Director 

For more information please contact [email protected] or go to our website  www.isgap.org