Our thoughts go to the many innocent lives lost due to the events occurring in Israel.  As we have seen in recent years, current events, whether here or abroad, impact people in different ways.   Regardless of how these events are impacting you personally, as employers, you need to be vigilant about who makes up your workforce, how the organization is communicating about these events, and giving employees space and grace to process these emotional and difficult situations.

Statistics show that antisemitism has been steadily increasing.  According to Pew Research, nearly two-thirds of Jewish people have witnessed workplace antisemitism and report feeling less safe while on the job.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) seeks to prevent and remedy employment discrimination based on religion.  Religious discrimination involves treating a person (an applicant or employee) unfavorably because of their religious beliefs.  Title VII of the United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 expressly prohibits employment discrimination based on religion, including Judaism.  The EEOC Commissioners voted unanimously to issue a resolution calling for an end to violence, hatred, and harassment against Jewish individuals. 

You may want to consider reissuing your EEO policies prohibiting discrimination and harassment.  Promote respectful workplaces and open dialogue.  Encourage employees who feel they are experiencing antisemitism or discrimination on the basis of any religion to alert the company or follow the company’s complaint process.  Recognize that employees may have difficulty concentrating or performing their work during times when they are deeply impacted by external events – be available and allow people space to share how they are feeling.

Building an inclusive workplace where employees feel safe is not always easy.  Responding to events like what is currently happening in Israel and showing employees they are valued, respected, heard, and supported helps to foster an inclusive culture.