American Jewish Congress Launches New Incubator To Combat Antisemitism

The American Jewish Congress announced Sunday the launch of AJCatalyst Lab, a new venture-style incubator designed to identify, fund, and expand initiatives aimed at combating antisemitism and strengthening Jewish advocacy in the United States. The program comes as Jewish organizations continue to grapple with elevated levels of antisemitic incidents following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

"Real change requires planting seeds, investing in new ideas and empowering the next generation of leaders and builders," American Jewish Congress President Daniel Rosen said in announcing the initiative.

According to the organization, AJCatalyst Lab will apply strategies commonly used in the startup and technology sectors to support projects focused on fighting antisemitism, building connections across communities, and strengthening ties between the United States and Israel. Rosen said the post-October 7 environment exposed shortcomings in traditional advocacy efforts and created a need for new approaches.

"We need a new playbook going forward," Rosen told the New York Post. "It's not just about screaming louder, but about screaming more effectively."

The Lab will provide startup funding, strategic mentorship, operational assistance, media guidance, and access to the American Jewish Congress's national and international networks. Oversight will be provided by a group known as "Impact Investors," composed of leaders from fields including law, media, policy, technology, communications, fundraising, and education. The organization said projects will be selected through a competitive process, though funding levels, application timelines, and the size of the initial cohort have not yet been publicly announced.

A major focus of the initiative will be engaging younger generations. Rosen said the program aims to equip young people with historical knowledge and critical thinking skills as they navigate information about Jews, Israel, and current events online.

The American Jewish Congress wants to "drive critical thinking" and encourage students to "get kids to hit the pause button" before accepting claims encountered on social media and other platforms, Rosen said.

Founded in 1918, the American Jewish Congress is one of the oldest Jewish advocacy organizations in the United States. The group was an early supporter of Zionism and the establishment of the State of Israel, warned about the dangers of Nazism before World War II, and helped Jewish refugees fleeing Germany. During the civil rights era, the organization worked alongside Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders to challenge segregation and advance equal rights.

Today, the group's priorities include defending Jewish communities, strengthening U.S.-Israel relations, and promoting civil rights and religious liberty. Rosen said AJCatalyst Lab is intended to help develop the next generation of leaders and initiatives capable of addressing those challenges in the years ahead.

"Our new AJCatalyst Lab will cultivate the people, projects and innovation that will shape the future of Jewish life and advocacy for decades to come."