In August 2024, Susan Lewis, a dedicated music teacher at Valley Catholic School in Oregon, logged onto a Zoom call expecting to discuss her upcoming sixth year of teaching. Instead, she was blindsided by the news that her contract would not be renewed. The abrupt termination left her in shock, as neither she nor her colleagues received any explanation from the school administration. What she later discovered was that her social media posts criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza had drawn the ire of StopAntisemitism, a pro-Israel organization that had launched a campaign against her, labeling her as an antisemite.
Lewis’s experience is not an isolated incident; she is among at least 400 individuals that StopAntisemitism claims to have successfully targeted for job loss due to their criticism of Israel. This organization, founded in 2018 and backed by influential figures such as real estate millionaire Adam Milstein, operates by compiling lists of individuals who advocate for Palestinian rights or criticize Israeli policies. Their tactics often involve doxxing, where personal information is shared publicly to incite harassment and pressure employers to terminate contracts.
The campaign against Lewis intensified after StopAntisemitism amplified her social media posts to a much larger audience than her modest following. Her comments, which included critiques of Israel’s military actions and the portrayal of Palestinian suffering, were framed by the organization as “vile antisemitic hate.” Following the dissemination of her posts, Lewis was inundated with threats and demands for her firing, leading to a hostile environment that ultimately resulted in her job loss.
In response, Lewis filed a defamation lawsuit against StopAntisemitism, alleging that the organization invaded her privacy, interfered with her employment, and inflicted emotional distress. Legal experts suggest that her case faces significant challenges due to First Amendment protections that shield organizations like StopAntisemitism from defamation claims based on opinion. However, Lewis’s lawsuit represents a rare opportunity to challenge the growing trend of censorship and intimidation faced by those who speak out on Palestinian rights.
The organization’s tactics have drawn scrutiny, particularly as they coincide with broader societal trends of silencing dissent. Since the escalation of violence in Gaza in October 2023, StopAntisemitism claims to have profiled over 1,000 individuals, urging their followers to contact employers and demand firings. This has created a chilling effect on free speech, particularly in academic and artistic circles, where individuals fear repercussions for expressing their views on Israel and Palestine.
Notably, the case of Rachel Accurso, a popular children’s educator and advocate for Palestinian children, highlights the personal toll of such campaigns. Accurso has faced severe backlash, including threats to her safety, after being labeled an antisemite by StopAntisemitism for her advocacy. Despite her large following and support from fans, the harassment she endures illustrates the risks faced by those who dare to speak out.
The financial backing of StopAntisemitism by wealthy donors, including Milstein, raises questions about the influence of money in shaping public discourse around Israel and Palestine. Milstein’s foundation supports various pro-Israel initiatives and has been linked to efforts aimed at undermining Palestinian solidarity movements. This financial network underscores the power dynamics at play, where a few individuals can wield significant influence over public opinion and employment opportunities for those who dissent.
As Lewis continues her legal battle, she emphasizes her commitment to her students and the broader implications of her case. She fears for the futures of those who have been similarly targeted, recognizing that their careers and lives can be irrevocably altered by the actions of organizations like StopAntisemitism. Her determination to fight back is fueled by a desire to protect the rights of educators and advocates who seek to promote understanding and compassion across borders.
In a time when social media can amplify voices for justice, it also serves as a battleground for free speech. The ongoing legal challenges faced by individuals like Lewis and AbouYabis, another educator who was fired after being targeted by StopAntisemitism, highlight the urgent need for a dialogue about the limits of free expression and the consequences of organized campaigns against dissent. As more people become aware of these issues, the hope is that the effectiveness of such smear campaigns will diminish, paving the way for a more open and honest discourse on the complex realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research
