The Simon Property Group, owner of The University Park Mall in Mishawaka, has joined the Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) "Workplace Pledge to Fight Antisemitism" in response to the Hamas attack on unarmed civilians in Israel. 

More than two dozen major corporations and brands, along with Simon, united to actively prevent antisemitism in their workplaces. 

For David Simon, the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of Simon Property Group, it's about de-escalating the hatred and vitriol against Israel and Jews.

He states that Simon is not tolerating any form of antisemitism or hatred in the workplace and will continue to make sure Simon employees are able to work together "without any such fear." 

"Simon employees are devastated by the violence and terror seen in Israel and are committed to working hard to stop the spread of hatred and antisemitism in our workplaces," said Simon. 

The company will actively prevent antisemitism through Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs throughout their 194 mall locations in the U.S. and 42 international locations. 

According to ADL's "Speak Out Against Antisemitism in the Workplace," Simon will take into account employees' experiences, address gaps and inequities that prevent inclusive workplaces and address microaggressions, pervasive stereotypes and unchecked biases against the Jewish people. 

They will also support Jewish employees through their Employee Resource Groups or other means, providing religious accommodations for employees and speaking out against antisemitism. 

ADL, a global leader in combatting antisemitism, unites in "We Stand with Israel" as they share their knowledge with elected officials, policy makers and their partners worldwide. 

Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL's CEO, applauds the Simon Group's commitment to the pledge. 

"The American Jewish community faces an unprecedented number of antisemitic incidents and a crisis in Israel brought on by Hamas," he said. "Corporations must use their bully pulpits to strongly and forcefully condemn antisemitism in all forms and ensure their workplaces remain safe for Jewish employees. ADL applauds Simon Property Group’s commitment to ADL’s Workplace Pledge to Fight Antisemitism, and we look forward to partnering with Simon to help drive implementation of the pledge."

The Workplace Pledge is part of the Biden Administration's National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism, released in May 2023, featuring over 100 actions and over 100 calls to action. 

As a result of this national strategy, federal agencies must incorporate information about antisemitic bias and discrimination, the Department of Homeland Security will conduct workshops countering hate-motivated violence, the first-ever U.S. based Holocaust education research center will launch in 2024 and more. 

Other companies who have joined the pledge include:

Accenture, adidas, AEG, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., CLYDE, Deutsch LA, Google, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, NASCAR, National Basketball Association (NBA), New York Life, Northwell Health, Turner Construction Company, and UTA, among others.