FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jolie Brislin | ADL Nevada
702-978-6203 | jbrislin@adl.org
Media Contacts: Jennifer Edgerly | EVERFI
202-871-3637 | jedgerly@everfi.com
THROUGH GENEROUS DONATION, ADL NEVADA AND EVERFI JOIN FORCES TO TEACH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES OF ANTISEMITISM AND HATE
Las Vegas, Nevada. August 31, 2021 … ADL Nevada is pleased to announce that through a generous donation by donor and supporter Stephen J. Cloobeck, the anti-hate organization will take a leap forward in its strategic partnership with the leading social impact education innovator, EVERFI, Inc., to roll out a Nevada-focused digital antisemitism prevention course for high school students known as Building Insights to Navigate Antisemitism & Hate (BINAH).
BINAH is designed to help students understand the history and current reality of antisemitism in the U.S. and its relation to other expressions of discrimination to help build greater tolerance and empathy in society and reduce hate. BINAH inspires students to identify as global citizens with respect for all people. Through this digital course, which can be implemented in the classroom or a virtual learning environment, students will be presented with real-world scenarios that prime them for long-term behavioral change using problem-solving and self-reflection activities.
“At ADL, we believe that one of the best antidotes to hate and bigotry is education,” ADL Nevada Regional Director Jolie Brislin says. “Binah, the Hebrew word for understanding, is critical in changing how our society looks at, engages with, and builds upon a foundation of acceptance and respect. We know that the inclusion of personal stories helps students build empathy, perspective-taking, and allyship.”
Unfortunately, there has been an alarming rise in antisemitic incidents, including violent crimes, in recent years. In 2019, ADL documented a record number of antisemitic acts across America, including a 19 percent increase in antisemitic incidents in K-12 schools. Additionally, a recent survey found that more than 28 million Americans believe a number of false stereotypes related to Jews. Nevada Senator Jacklyn Sheryl Rosen notes another alarming statistic:
“Recent studies showing that a majority of young Americans lack even basic facts about the Holocaust demonstrate the importance and urgency of teaching our students about the history and impacts of antisemitism. At a time when antisemitism is growing here in the United States and across the globe, one of the most effective tools we have in the fight against hate is the power of education,” Senator Rosen says and continues:
“In Congress, I’ve worked to champion legislation that builds and improves upon our nation’s Holocaust education programs. I’m glad to see that ADL and EVERFI’s joint educational program to counter antisemitism has been fully funded and will be implemented in Nevada, which will equip future generations with the tools to identify and combat antisemitism and hate.”
“I am pleased to support the mission of ADL of using education to reduce hate and antisemitism wherever it appears,” says donor Mr. Cloobeck, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the founder, former CEO and chairman of Diamond Resorts International. “Instead of just talking about the problem, ADL Nevada is putting words to action by distributing this antisemitism prevention course. I look forward to seeing the results of this effort.”
BINAH is part of ADL education’s roster and antisemitism programs challenging bias and championing justice in schools. BINAH is available at no cost to schools and teachers across the U.S. Read here for more information on the curriculum.
About ADL
ADL is a leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of antisemitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. ADL is the first call when acts of antisemitism occur. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education and fighting hate online, ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate. More at www.adl.org
About EVERFI, Inc.
EVERFI is an international technology company driving social impact through education to address the most challenging issues affecting society ranging from financial wellness to mental health to workplace conduct and other critical topics. Founded in 2008, EVERFI’s Impact-as-a-Service TM solution and digital educational content have reached more than 41 million learners globally. In 2020, the company was recognized as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company and was featured on Fortune Magazine’s Impact 20 List. The company was also named to the 2021 GSV EdTech 150, a list of the most transformative growth companies in digital learning. Some of America’s leading CEOs and venture capital firms are EVERFI investors including Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, Google Chairman Eric Schmidt, Twitter founder Evan Williams, as well as Advance, Rethink Education, Rethink Impact, The Rise Fund, and TPG Growth. To learn more about EVERFI and how you can #answerthecall please visit everfi.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter @EVERFI.
About Our Donor, Stephen J. Cloobeck
Stephen J. Cloobeck is a self-made entrepreneur, philanthropist, political activist, TV personality, author, and proud father of three. He is the founder, former CEO and chairman of Diamond Resorts International. Cloobeck currently serves as Chairman of the Nevada Athletic Commission, which regulates boxing and mixed martial arts in the state. He was appointed inaugural chairman of Brand USA, a government nonprofit which promotes travel to the United States. Cloobeck authored the book Checking In: Hospitality-Driven Thinking, Business, and You in 2018. As a philanthropist, Cloobeck has funded dyslexia and cancer research, Jewish mental health and wellness, education, and individuals in need.