HARRISBURG — Educators, parents and advocacy organizations shared their experiences with antisemitism and explored strategies to combat hate during a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee today.
David Kroll of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh illustrated the purpose of the hearing: “Silence has never defeated hate. Education, partnership and moral courage can.” He also discussed antisemitic incidents on both college and high school campuses in Pittsburgh and the climate of fear they create, saying, “We must speak out against antisemitism whenever and wherever it appears. We must support those who are targeted. And we must ensure that every student, regardless of their faith or background, can learn in an environment free from fear and intimidation.
“We convened this hearing because Pennsylvania is facing an ongoing problem — antisemitic incidents across the commonwealth remain at unprecedented levels,” said committee chair Sen. Dave Argall (R-29). “These are not isolated episodes we can ignore. Action must be taken to better protect Jewish communities.”
Dr. Naomi Rodriguez, a parent and educator from the Philadelphia area, discussed how antisemitism can take root in schools. She noted the state Department of Education doesn’t track or require administrators to note when an incident is antisemitic, leaving students and parents without a way to seek justice. She said, “I am grateful to this committee for keeping the focus on Jewish students today. We need every elected official, Republican and Democrat alike, to do the same.”
According to the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) 2025 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, Pennsylvania recorded 281 antisemitic incidents, the fifth-highest number in the nation. Harassment accounted for 70% of these cases — 194 incidents — alongside 80 acts of vandalism and seven physical assaults. Andrew Goretsky, senior regional director for ADL Philadelphia, noted incidents are grossly underreported because victims fear for their safety.
Video of the full hearing and written testimony are available on the Senate Majority Policy Committee’s website.