THE ENEMY WITHIN Extremism In America

The Anti-Defamation League was founded in 1913 “to stop the defamation of Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all citizens alike”.

NFTY Winter Convention 2004 Learning Goals: –What are hate groups and extremist? –What do they believe? –What can I do about it? –How can ADL help?

Defining Extremist and Hate Groups Extreme: At the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity; most remote in any direction; drastic Extremist: A supporter or advocate of extreme doctrines or practices. Hate groups: organizations that show extreme prejudice towards other groups of people based on race, nationality, sexual orientation or religion, and actively discriminate or denounce others based on those beliefs

Spotlight on Florida Extremism KKK National Alliance Skinheads (Hammerskin) Council of Conservative Citizens World Church of the Creator Eco-Terrorism Anarchists Nation of Islam

ECO-TERRORISTS E F L : Environmental Liberation Front A L F : Animal Liberation Front Beliefs: To end the exploitation of animals and the destruction of the environment by causing damage to the operations of companies in related industries and terrorizing their employees Criminal Activity: Arson, bombing, harassment, vandalism, animal release “…assassination of scientists working in biomedical research would save millions of animals’ lives… violence is part of the struggle against oppression (of animals)”

MILITIA and ANTI-GOVERNMENT Militia are anti-government groups that advocate armed resistance to federal authority. Perceive a sinister international movement toward one world government. There are 441 militia groups active in the United States. The largest: the Michigan Militia which claims membership of over 10,000 members; most famous: Timothy McVeigh Members include police officers, sheriffs and deputies, attorneys, doctors, professional and business people; even members of the US military.

WHITE SUPREMACISTS “We want to finish what Hitler started” Belief in Nazi Ideology Aryan Superiority Racial Separation Eliminate or Exterminate Enemies National Alliance Orion Knights of the KKK White Aryan Resistance

White Power compact disc cover

CHRISTIAN IDENTITY The Aryan race is God’s chosen race “Seedline theory” Violence is justified to punish violators of God's laws including killing interracial couples; abortionist; prostitutes, and homosexuals Believe that “Jews and their allies will attempt to destroy the white race…in a struggle between God's forces (the white race) and the forces of evil (the Jews and nonwhites) leading to the end of the world and the Second Coming of Christ”. Aryan Nation World Church of the Creator Dominionists

JEWISH EXTREMIST GROUPS J D L : Jewish Defense League Established in 1968 for the “declared purpose of protecting Jews by whatever means necessary.” Involved in bombing anti-Israel and anti- Semitic enemies in the 1970s and 1980s In 1994, Boruch Goldstein's murdered by gunfire 29 Palestinians who were at prayer in a mosque in Israel.

Why are we concerned? Shift from rhetoric to violent action Many members have former military backgrounds and a working knowledge of arms Looking for scapegoats during economic down turns

What You Can Do Read and learn about extremism and hate groups on Understand your heritage of Judaism, democracy, freedom and justice Speak out against hatred, bigotry, racism and anti-semitism

ADL as a Resource Publications and newsletters Research and document hate crimes Training on extremism and hate groups Training on confronting bias and anti-semitism

Anti-Defamation League 2 South Biscayne Blvd. Suite 2650 Miami, FL Marcy Rosenbaum Associate Director Florida