The nonprofit organization JewBelong has launched a new billboard campaign near major U.S. airports to raise awareness about antisemitism during the holiday travel season. Starting Monday, billboards reading, �If you think turbulence is scary, try wearing a Jewish star,� were placed near Chicago O�Hare International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

The campaign, projected to reach an estimated 19 million travelers, comes in response to a troubling trend. The Anti-Defamation League reported December 2023 as the worst month for antisemitic incidents last year.

�The Jewish community is only 2% of the entire country, so we need to work extra hard to break through to the wider American public,� said JewBelong co-founder Archie Gottesman. �It is outrageous that Jewish people are scared because of senseless growing antisemitism. Good Americans know this.�

JewBelong, known for its provocative messages, has previously run nearly 800 billboards across the U.S., reaching people over 2 billion times. Some of their campaigns have faced vandalism, highlighting the persistent issue of antisemitism.

Gottesman said the holiday season, a peak travel period, offers a strategic opportunity to spotlight the rising concerns about antisemitism and encourage solidarity against hate.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)