New billboards in Houston raise awareness of the fight against anti-Semitism in America

JewBelong, a national nonprofit that combats anti-Semitism and makes Judaism accessible, is putting up three billboards in Houston that say, “Those who stand against anti-Semitism stand with America.” The campaign underscores how the rising anti-Semitism we have seen over the past year threatens American freedom.

From flags of foreign terrorist organizations flying on domestic soil to students condoning the use of violence, holding signs reading “By any means necessary” and calling for the “total eradication of Western civilization,” anti-Semitism is bad for America.

The billboards will go up this week and will remain in place through September 29. Locations for the “Those who stand against anti-Semitism stand with America” sign include US 59 South and Almeda Road, I-610 South Loop and Tierwester, and I-610 West Loop and Post Oak.

The number of anti-Semitic incidents in Texas has more than doubled since 2021, consistent with a nationwide increase in anti-Semitism. In Houston, anti-Semitic incidents doubled last year compared to 2022. In April, activists at a local rally praised and celebrated Hamas for the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel.

“Jews are the canary in the coal mine,” said Archie Gottesman, co-founder of JewBelong. “Anti-Semitism is a vile poison that has never meant anything good for society, and its growth is a red flag that something terribly sinister is brewing in our communities.”

“On college campuses across the country and in New York City, for example, over Labor Day weekend, Americans are flying the flags of Hamas and Hezbollah – radical fundamentalist terrorist organizations that consider the freedoms we Americans cherish to be heretical. The entire country should be outraged, but all too often it feels like the Jewish community is fighting this battle alone.”

JewBelong is a nonprofit group that supports joyful Judaism and combats anti-Semitism through a nationwide outdoor campaign that includes both traditional billboards and billboard trucks. JewBelong has installed nearly 800 billboards across the country, reaching more than 2 billion people.

Its trucks have traveled across the country, reaching many millions more. Through a library of free resources, JewBelong also provides education and meaningful DIY rituals for Jews, allies, and anyone who has felt like a Jewish outsider or disconnected from the religion.