Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), reflected on the profound impact of events since October 7, 2021, during his address at the Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference on Thursday. He described the moment as a turning point, saying the calendar has been “frozen on October 8” ever since, signaling a lasting shift in awareness about the threats facing the Jewish community.

Greenblatt emphasized that although the malign nature of Hamas was well-known, the events after October 7 revealed the group’s genocidal intentions against Jews as more than mere rhetoric. “For them, it wasn’t rhetoric; it was real life,” he said, underscoring the urgent gravity of the conflict. He urged the Jewish community and its allies to maintain unity and remain steadfast, particularly during politically charged election seasons. “We need to be cold-eyed and ruthless about recognizing the challenges in front of us,” Greenblatt asserted, characterizing the struggle as existential.

A central focus of Greenblatt’s remarks was the ADL’s concept of the “J7,” referring to the seven countries with the largest Jewish Diaspora populations outside Israel, which together account for more than 90% of Jews living abroad. He noted that these communities are confronting a complex “red-green alliance” comprising jihadist groups and the violently anti-Zionist left, alongside the increasing threat of right-wing extremism. This multifaceted challenge, he argued, calls for coordinated vigilance and action.

Greenblatt also highlighted the ADL’s integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into its efforts to combat hate and extremism. The organization’s staff of approximately 460 now incorporate AI tools daily, including a new platform called Ora, designed to extend the ADL’s educational outreach from millions of children to potentially hundreds of millions. “Artificial intelligence is not the future; it’s here and now. This is the front line,” he said, framing the development as part of ADL’s longstanding tradition of adapting to transformative cultural and technological shifts. He cited the organization’s history of confronting antisemitism dating back to fighting Henry Ford’s Dearborn Independent publication, up to today’s battle against online extremism.

Given that malign actors also exploit AI, the ADL works directly with leading technology companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Alphabet, Meta, and X to test and improve AI models. Greenblatt praised the collaboration with Silicon Valley firms but acknowledged that gaps remain in how AI platforms address antisemitic extremist content. “We have to reclaim the public square,” he said, stressing the need to restore a centrist, balanced discourse amid rising polarization.

Throughout his remarks, Greenblatt framed the ADL’s approach as one of innovation, unity, and unrelenting focus on defending Jewish communities worldwide against an evolving and multifaceted threat environment.