With the implementation of Project 2025 now underway, we are witnessing the rollout of its next phase: Project Esther, presented by The Heritage Foundation in October of 2024 as a national strategy to combat antisemitism. While NABC affirms the urgency of addressing antisemitism in all its forms, Project Esther is not simply about combating hate. It is an extension of a broader political agenda that threatens civil liberties, silences dissent, and endangers historically marginalized communities. This moment demands clarity, courage, and a commitment to justice from all sectors of society.
Of particular concern to the National Association of Black Counselors are the dangerous implications Project Esther holds for both education and healthcare. The blueprint calls for aggressive interventions in schools and universities: removal of faculty, curriculum restrictions, and the discrediting of entire academic disciplines under the guise of fighting antisemitism. These actions risk politicizing education, undermining academic freedom, and targeting educators and students, specifically those involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion work.
In healthcare, Project Esther encourages professional surveillance and the dismantling of organizational partnerships critical for culturally competent care. By framing entire communities and professional sectors, particularly those aligned with social justice, as “threats” to national security, it risks undermining the values of empathy, trust, and equity foundational to mental health and healthcare practice.
We also offer a link to the full Project Esther Project Esther PDF.
The National Association of Black Counselors (NABC) recognizes and condemns all forms of hatred, including antisemitism, which threatens the safety, dignity, and humanity of Jewish communities in the United States and around the world. The increasing instances of antisemitic rhetoric, violence, and misinformation, especially following the October 7, 2023, attacks, require bold, collective action rooted in justice, accountability, and truth.
However, NABC is deeply concerned by Project Esther, as introduced by The Heritage Foundation. While it purports to be a strategy to counter antisemitism, the framework outlined in the report employs language and tactics that are inflammatory, overly generalized, and potentially harmful to democratic expression, civil rights, and intersectional solidarity.
We specifically reject:
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The conflation of all pro‑Palestinian advocacy with terrorism and antisemitism, which fails to distinguish between hate speech and legitimate political dissent. This broad brush approach undermines First Amendment protections and unfairly targets educators, students, activists, and entire communities with suspicion and punitive measures.
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The demonization of academic institutions and DEI frameworks, essential for fostering critical thinking, inclusive dialogue, and culturally responsive education. The report labels diversity and inclusion as indoctrination and actively seeks to purge faculty and curricula deemed “politically suspect”.
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The targeting of legislators, organizations, and citizens based on political beliefs or heritage, as seen in the so‑called “Hamas Caucus” section and the call to dismantle a broad “Hamas Support Network.” These steps echo McCarthy‑era tactics and threaten democratic engagement at its core.
As Black mental health professionals and advocates, we know the consequences of state‑sanctioned surveillance, collective punishment, and being vilified for demanding justice. We will not endorse or be complicit in efforts that pit marginalized communities against each other or treat activism as a national security threat.
NABC stands in solidarity with Jewish communities in the fight against antisemitism. At the same time, we remain committed to protecting civil liberties, promoting healing justice, and upholding the constitutional rights of all Americans especially those who are Black, Brown, Muslim, immigrant, queer, or otherwise vulnerable to erasure.
We urge all stakeholders to adopt a more nuanced, human‑centered approach to addressing antisemitism: one that promotes unity, accountability, and the dignity of all people.
