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Nearly 200 municipal leaders and community stakeholders from across the United States and Canada gathered at historic Gallier Hall in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Tuesday evening for the opening of the 2025 North American Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism, organized by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM).
The annual forum offers a collaborative venue for mayors to learn about antisemitism in all its modern-day forms, share best practices, develop practical and innovative cities-oriented strategies and policies, and bolster cooperation between municipalities to drive real and impactful change for their residents.
“We know the responsibility that comes with leading a city, and we know that fighting antisemitism is only one of the many challenges you face,” CAM CEO Sacha Roytman said. “Your presence today shows that, like us, you are looking for solutions and you want your cities to be safe for the Jewish community and for everyone who calls them home.”
“This summit is about ensuring that history does not repeat itself,” he emphasize. “This summit is a call for leadership, courage, and partnership.”
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, host of the summit, welcomed participants to her city, saying, “While we’re standing together against antisemitism, we’re standing together against every form of hate, wherever it is, and however it comes.”
“It’s not just about one, it’s about all,” she added. “You can’t stand against hate on just one side. It’s all or nothing.”
Highland Park (Illinois) Mayor Nancy Rotering was presented with CAM’s Mayoral Courage Award, given to city leaders who have demonstrated exceptional courage, moral clarity, and leadership in standing up to antisemitism.
Mayor Rotering, serving in her fourth term as mayor, was honored for her “steadfast leadership in guiding the Highland Park community through tragedy,” a reference to the deadly July 4th parade shooting attack in Highland Park in 2022, and her “commitment to combating antisemitism and hate.”
Earlier this year, Highland Park, a northern suburb of Chicago with a large Jewish population, became the first city in Illinois to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism in a municipal ordinance, rather than a resolution.
Highland Park has also officially recognized Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), marked every May.
“Antisemitism, or any form of discrimination, goes against everything we believe in,” Mayor Rotering said. “As we’ve done every single time it raises its ugly head, we take action in our town, and regionally, cognizant that our neighboring communities are stronger when we all stand together to defend our shared values.”
“Combating antisemitism cannot rely on proclamations alone,” she noted. “Education, advocacy, and action are essential to building the kind of society our children deserve.”
“Let our cities not only condemn antisemitism, but actively cultivate understanding,” Mayor Rotering added. “Let us lead with courage and clarity, and let us build relationships that go beyond our borders. We all share a responsibility to safeguard our residents. Let’s create communities where the dignity of every person is protected, not just in principle, but in practice.”
Other distinguished speakers on Tuesday night included: Sharona Nazarian, Mayor of Beverly Hills, California, and member of CAM’s Mayors Advisory Board; Clarence Anthony, CEO & Executive Director of the National League of Cities and former Mayor of South Bay, Florida; Josh and Julia Zuckerman, whose New Orleans home was targeted by antisemitic vandals last year; and Hon. Roy K. Altman, United States District Court Judge for the Southern District of Florida.
An opening prayer was offered by Rabbi David Cohen-Henriquez of Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation in New Orleans, and the event was emceed by Emmy-nominated multimedia journalist Jacki Karsh.
The summit’s programing will continue on Wednesday with a series of keynote speeches, panel discussions, educational presentations, and interactive workshops, among other activities.
Organizing partners and supporters for the summit include: City of New Orleans, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, African American Mayors Association (AAMA), New Orleans & Company, StandWithUs, New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Foundation, and the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans.
CAM works hand-in-hand with municipal authorities on a daily basis to secure and nurture Jewish life in cities around the world. Past mayoral summits have been held in: Frankfurt, Germany; Athens, Greece; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Dortmund, Germany; Beverly Hills, California; and Paris, France.
