PRESS RELEASE
By Natasha Konstorum
It’s hard to believe that back on December 4, 2023, our small group of local volunteers began a billboard campaign with the help of United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien (UJF), aimed at raising awareness about antisemitism and demonstrating solidarity with Israel.
What was once unthinkable quickly became a reality as the first digital billboard went live in just six days and has been viewed by millions of by-passers on I-95 in Connecticut. The campaign became a beacon of hope by tapping into the bedrock of American pride and patriotism. The goal is to deliver straightforward and powerful messages that are easy to understand and impossible to ignore or to tear down. These messages resonate loudly, showing America’s support for Israel and zero tolerance for antisemitism. It’s these kinds of informative and important messages that need to be seen community-wide as they can influence and shape public opinion.
Success is rarely a solo act. Our group of volunteers is working together with UJF, who is sponsoring the Digital Campaign Against Antisemitism and has played a pivotal role in swiftly advancing the campaign. Spotlight articles published in The New Jewish Voice and the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) community newsletter generated engagement and reached a wide variety of supporters who have contributed towards our initiative. As the campaign gains momentum, other people are joining along. Our efforts expand beyond the confines of our state, reaching communities far and wide. We gained support from many people, including religious leaders, and we received the Kol Hakavod, which means applause and recognition.
We were told that our messages deeply resonate with Israelis and Jews worldwide.
Recently, thanks to UJF’s support, the Digital Campaign Against Antisemitism advertising has expanded into movie theaters. From March 4 through May 31, AMC theaters in Stamford at Majestic 6 and Landmark 8 (along with Norwalk and Port Chester, New York locations) will feature a 30-second pre-movie ad from UJF that encourages viewers that “Antisemitism Can End With You” and to take a stand against antisemitism and hate crimes in any form. With a total of 14 movie screens over a 13-week period, audience members will come away knowing that putting a stop to antisemitism is something that starts with each of us.
This is a great accomplishment for our local Jewish community.
We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to all of you who have contributed (and are currently contributing) to the Digital Campaign Against Antisemitism, as we continue to show support for Israel. As we look to the future, we know that there is much more to be done. We hope we can count on the ongoing support of our local community as we move forward together. We draw strength from the knowledge that we are strong, united in purpose and unwavering in our commitment to stand against antisemitism and support Israel.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Natasha Konstorum has been a resident of Stamford, CT, since she arrived from St. Petersburg, Russia, as a Jewish refugee in 1990. Over the past three decades, she has raised a family and built a career in information technology and data analytics. In response to the attacks on Israel on October 7, Natasha felt compelled to speak out against the rise of antisemitism in the US. Today, she leads a team of volunteers dedicated to the Digital Campaign Against Antisemitism campaign sponsored by United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien, firmly believing that #AntisemitismCanEndWithYou. Learn more at:
In Photo: (Top L-R) Irene Karas, Natasha Konstorum, Irina Tsivkin (Bottom L-R) Galina Landres, Polina Lifshin, Svetlana Gutkovich
