New York, NY, January 16, 2023 … ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) of New York/New Jersey and the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) New Jersey State Conference announced today the signing of an agreement to expand efforts to collectively combat discrimination, bigotry, bullying and hate crimes in New Jersey. 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ADL New York/New Jersey and the NAACP New Jersey State Conference was first established in January 2020 to formalize their partnership in the fight against hate and discrimination. To further their collaborative work to bridge communities and fight against the rising tide of hate, Richard Smith, President of the NAACP New Jersey State Conference, and Scott Richman, ADL New York/New Jersey Regional Director, signed an extension for the MOU until December 31, 2024. 

“This symbolic document officially cements our commitment to one another as we stand shoulder to shoulder in our joint efforts to implement a program of work to combat antisemitism, racism and all forms of hate in New Jersey,” said Richard Smith, President NAACP New Jersey State Conference. “We truly value this friendship and we are honored to have the opportunity to continue working with the ADL’s esteemed leader Scott Richman. The NAACP’s theme this past year was THIS IS POWER and witnessing the ongoing partnership of these two prominent civil rights organizations that serve the Black and Jewish communities is a true symbol of that theme. This truly is Power!”  

The partnership is rooted in shared values between ADL and the NAACP New Jersey State Conference: opposing hate and discrimination; promoting safe and inclusive communities, and protecting civil rights. 

“In the face of increasing attacks on our community and divisive forces, we must unite against racism, antisemitism, and all forms of hate,” said Scott Richman, ADL New York/New Jersey Regional Director. “We are proud to re-commit ourselves to this partnership with the NAACP and look forward to fighting hate in coalition together.” 

As part of the partnership, ADL New York/New Jersey and NAACP New Jersey State Conference will launch a series of town halls and listening sessions throughout the state to raise community awareness about this collaboration, the importance of bringing to the forefront the shared experiences of our communities and identifying and reporting incidents of bias and hate. The campaign also aims to build bridges of acceptance and understanding among ADL and NAACP constituents, and to respond with a united voice to racism, antisemitism, and all forms of hate in New Jersey. 

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About ADL 

ADL is a leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of antisemitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. ADL is the first call when acts of antisemitism occur. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education and fighting hate online, ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate. More at www.adl.org.  

About the NAACP 

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. You can learn more about The NAACP New Jersey State Conference, the numerous local units throughout the state, the advocacy efforts, and the annual convention at www.naacpnj.org.