It Could Happen Here: Why America Is Tipping from Hate to the Unthinkable—And How We Can Stop It – The ADL CEO's Urgent Warning on Antisemitism and Racism

by Jonathan Greenblatt

“Refreshingly candid . . . Get off Instagram and read this book.” —Sacha Baron Cohen 

From the dynamic head of ADL, an impassioned argument about the terrifying path that America finds itself on today—and how we can save ourselves.

It’s almost impossible to imagine that unbridled hate and systematic violence could come for us or our families. But it has happened in our lifetimes in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. And it could happen here.

Today, as CEO of the storied ADL (the Anti-Defamation League), Jonathan Greenblatt has made it his personal mission to demonstrate how antisemitism, racism, and other insidious forms of intolerance can destroy a society, taking root as quiet prejudices but mutating over time into horrific acts of brutality. In this urgent book, Greenblatt sounds an alarm, warning that this age-old trend is gathering momentum in the United States—and that violence on an even larger, more catastrophic scale could be just around the corner.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Drawing on ADL’s decades of experience in fighting hate through investigative research, education programs, and legislative victories as well as his own personal story and his background in business and government, Greenblatt offers a bracing primer on how we—as individuals, as organizations, and as a society—can strike back against hate. Just because it could happen here, he shows, does not mean that the unthinkable is inevitable.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Jewish, History, Religion, Sociology, Audiobook

303 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 4, 2022

Reviews

[J Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

It Could Happen Here by Jonathan Greenblatt is a warning about and a handbook for battling hatred and the possible escalation of it into a (more) genocidal society.

This book is inclusive in that it addresses all hate directed at people's identity. Some things do illustrate the understandable, though slightly skewed, emphasis on antisemitism as a precursor. For example, in talking about the attack on the Tree of Life synagogue, he seemed to use it to state explicitly that if jews weren't safe in their holy places then others wouldn't be following suit. Though the African-American community in the United States was and has long already been fully aware of this, notably a few years before the Tree of Life attack with the Emanuel AME Church attack. So while the hatred and the solutions offered in this book cover all bases, mistaken priority as far as within US society is evident.

That issue is one of a writer placing emphasis on what matters most to him and not on his neglecting other groups, so it is less important than I likely make it out to be. But it is still present and does illustrate some minor degree of bias and artificial hierarchizing. Having said that, the points made in recognizing and combatting hatred are valuable for everyone to know as we face these treacherous times.

Highly recommended for those wanting to both keep from becoming radicalized themselves and limit radicalization in others.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Marieke Van · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hardly impartial and not on topic.

The title suggests an analysis of the political field in the US with regard to autoritharian developments. Instead it is a thinly veiled pro-zionist propaganda piece. I understand the ADL writes from a Jewish perspective, but the huge blindspot regarding Israel and its action having consequenties also for the image of Jewry abroad is externalized to mean that the only reason to condemn zionism and its tenets with regards to Palestine , would be antisemitism. This is a well-won path in Israeli propaganda but doesn't have a rightful place in a book about ALL of the United States population and the threats the country is currently facing. Disappointing.

[David Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thought-provoking and powerful book that examines the rise of hate and extremism in America and offers solutions for how to combat it. It was published a little over a year ago. Sadly America seems to have traveled further down the path or fascism and hate. The author draws upon his extensive experience as a civil rights advocate and leader of the Anti-Defamation League to provide a comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to the current state of division and polarization in the United States.

Greenblat does great job weaving together personal stories and historical events to provide a compelling narrative that highlights the dangers of hate and extremism. Through a combination of research, interviews, and personal anecdotes, he effectively illustrates how the rise of hate groups and the normalization of extremist views threaten the very fabric of American democracy.

However, Greenblatt doesn't just focus on the problem. He also provides practical solutions for how individuals and communities can work together to combat hate and extremism. From engaging in meaningful dialogue with those who hold different views to promoting diversity and inclusion, the author offers concrete steps that can be taken to create a more tolerant and just society. I was pleased to read favorable experience and commentary by the author about his experiences and collaboration with the BYU Kennedy Center for International Studies.

While Greenblatt presents practical solutions for how to combat hate and extremism, these solutions at times feel canned and insufficient. The book fails to address the systemic issues that underpin hate and extremism, such as income inequality, structural racism, and political polarization. Instead, the author focuses on individual actions, such as engaging in dialogue with those who hold different views or promoting diversity and inclusion, without acknowledging the need for systemic change.

Overall, "It Could Happen Here" is a great book for anyone who cares about the future of America. With its compelling narrative, insightful analysis, and actionable solutions, this book offers the beginning of a roadmap for how we can come together to build a better and more inclusive future for all.

Quotes:

"We cannot allow hate and extremism to go unchecked. We must take action to combat it in all its forms, whether it's through education, advocacy, or direct action."

"We must be vigilant in our efforts to build bridges between communities and to foster understanding and empathy. We must resist the forces of division and hate, and work together to create a more just and inclusive society."

"The challenges we face are daunting, but we cannot afford to be complacent. We must confront hate and extremism head-on, and do everything in our power to build a better future for ourselves and our children."

[Jessica Mcclaskey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to preface this by saying I had no idea when I read this book that the ADL was heavily Pro-Israeli.. but had I known I most likely wouldn’t have been so baffled and frustrated as I read.

At one point he scolded Ben and Jerry’s for doing as he advocated all through the book and using their public platform as a company to advocate for an injured minority. The author equates this to antisemitism as the injured minority are the Palestinian people and the aggressor is Israel.
Ben and Jerry’s removed their brand from the West Bank in protest of ongoing Israeli colonization of the area, pushing Palestinians from one of the last small areas they have to live. He described the move as ‘poorly timed’, which struck me as very ‘thoughts and prayers. Now is not the time to discuss gun control’.
What he instead suggests Ben and Jerry’s should have done is engage in thoughtful dialogue. Thoughtful dialogue over an ongoing genocide that is ‘bombing Gaza into oblivion’. The author uses this description at one point as an example of hysterics involving the conflict, despite that being exactly what is happening.

The author also seems oblivious that companies are soulless and thus have no moral obligation. Corporations will never do anything for any purpose but lining the pockets of their shareholders (the Tylenol incident happened in a distant time that is long gone). In regard to social media corporations, unless regulation is put into place, or the public hold their feet to the fire causing them to risk losing profit for continuing to host the spread of hate and radicalization, nothing will change.
Arguably, thanks to that same radicalization (in terms of social media echo chambers of conspiracy theories and hate) it is unlikely the public will be the ones holding the corporations accountable.
Although perhaps a pleasantly surprising change is on the horizon with the ending of the boomer generation and the rise of Gen Z and millennials.

I found it hard to agree with his optimism about companies taking a more humanitarian approach to doing business in light of the way things have rapidly changed for the worse in the 2 years since this book was published. Corporations are quite clearly putting profits over people while making lackluster virtue signaling efforts for PR.

He also seems oblivious to the fact that this Supreme Court has been compromised and is bought by corporations and billionaires. And that they are working toward a clear goal that is not in favor of the American people.

I was also surprised that he disagreed with the idea that the Republican (and now MAGA) party have become a party that operates as a hate organization opposed to social progress.

And as a side note, I feel someone needs to educate him that referring to black people as ‘blacks’ comes off derogatory and is not generally considered acceptable.

[Jeni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Greenblatt does a good job of pinpointing the ways the United States is moving up the "hate pyramid" as he terms it. In addition to giving examples of how we are slowly allowing hate to infiltrate our society more and more, he does have chapters outlining what educators, parents, business owners, etc can do to help change the path we are on. Of note, Greenblatt does focus on anti-Semitism above all other forms of hate (Islamaphobia, anti-LGBTQIA, racism) although he does touch on these other forms. I wish that the focus would have been more expansive, but I think that we all naturally focus on things that impact ourselves and our families most.

[Stu · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
Greenblatt’s book has quite a few excellent points and ideas about standing up to hate and bigotry. +2.5 stars.

On the other hand, while he gives lip service to differentiating between antisemitism and being against Israeli policies, he goes on to equate the two.

I agree that sometimes anti Zionism or protest against the actions of the Israeli government can descend into antisemitism, but Mr. Greenblatt seems to see them as the same…despite his protests to the contrary. 0 stars.

[Keith Kropp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately, it is happening here (especially in the State of Hate Florida) but we are not alone. The world has been moving in this direction for several years. Those who don't study history are doomed to repeat it.

In a recent survey by NBC news 63% of Americans know little or nothing about the Holocaust: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/su... .

However, no matter how how powerful or how much influence we have, we can all make a difference. We can contribute to the problem or we can decide in our own way how to combat it. It starts with all of us.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about combating hate. We take some things for granted and truly believe it can not happen here. It can. The author is CEO of ADL (Anti Defamation League) so you might expect a slant towards how Jews are facing increased discrimination and hate. Instead he works hard to broaden the scope to many minorities and focus on hate faced by many peoples. I learned some things and suggest it as a read if only to build awareness about the society we need to work to preserve.

[Kiera Gaswint · Rating 2 out of 5]

The struggle I had with listening to this was chiefly that at the beginning the author stated he aimed to present an unbiased view, whereas the writing was largely leaning one way versus the other. I don’t mind that it’s leaning because I value listening and reading all viewpoints to challenge my own, but I think part of the issue I have with political writing of any kind is that nothing is unbiased (especially an opinion piece like this), so don’t claim to be.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone who cherishes American values of respect and freedom for all should read this book. The author explains how America is moving up the "pyramid of hate." He then details what each of us can do to reverse this course. Let's get to work.

[Erika Dreifus]

Not a whole lot here that was new to me, since I follow Greenblatt (and the ADL, the organization he leads) fairly closely. But it's all well-written; I bookmarked several pages to refer back to and quote when I will invariably need better words than my own.

[Greg Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given the state of the world, this book is amazing. It brings attention to hate in provocative and educational ways. It not only calls out hate but gives solid examples on how to combat hate.

[Jennifer Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thorough,well organized, and balanced account of how hate is harming our society and provides constructive steps for individuals and institutions to counter this invasive problem.

[Mindy Greiling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good stuff but I didn't find it earthshaking. I was glad to hear Asians have started their own version of an Anti-Defamation League, with Greenblatt's help. As a Minnesotan, I was interested to read Congresswomen McCollum and Omar called out, but I already knew that too.

[Loretta · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ADL was founded to counter anti-Semitism, however because of their views that we are all connected in a multitude of ways, from the very beginning they chose to incorporate traditions of working to combat hatred and violence towards ALL marginalized communities. Have they always been perfect on the matter? Undoubtedly not...it would be extremely difficult to find a 100 year old organization of ANY stripe that hasn't had its missteps along the way, and Greenblatt addresses this in the book. Because of their foundation, however, the book does skew heavily towards examples of anti-Semitism as it discusses hate speech and violence. This is not unsurprising, we write about what we know and are most passionate about our own communities. Since I've read a number of books that approach bias from the perspective of people of color or immigrants it was actually helpful to get a Jewish perspective as well.

The ADL has often come under criticism for viewing all criticism of Israel as anti-Semitism and for not caring enough about violence against Palestinians. This is a tension that I brought to the table as I read the book, and I kept wanting him to disavow Israeli actions...but this is not a book about Israeli-Palestinian relations. I felt that Greenblatt went above and beyond at MANY points in the book to reiterate that he is aware criticism of Israel is not the same as anti-Semitism. Reading his viewpoint was helpful in reminding me to be careful in my criticism to keep the issues separate.

One of the most helpful portions of the book speaks about the need to stamp out hate speech in our own communities, among our own 'allies.' As he says, the true measure of one's commitment to eradicating hate is how we respond when 'our side' engages in demonization of others.

Overall, I felt like this book was a very broad overview of how hate speech and violence become normalized and the responsibility of individuals, educational systems, faith leaders, communities and businesses to work against it. Where I found it a bit lacking was in the practical application. I didn't get any huge take-aways from the book that were new or helpful. It still has merit in the broader list of anti-bias reading, I just wouldn't make it the sole book read on the topic.

[John Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t realize before reading this that the Anti-Defamation League was a Jewish organization (didn’t know much about it in general other than it’s name). So I definitely was a bit surprised to see that a majority of his examples were about hate/prejudice against Jews. He definitely talks about other groups, and overall has some good point about the problems of hate in our society, how social media effects it, and some potential solutions—but yea, overall I kind of just found it a bit slow and boring—with not necessarily really new info.

It definitely gave me a more nuanced view on ways to stop hate before it “moves up the pyramid” and how speaking out against ppl/actions/groups is important and not always just “cancel culture.”

But yea, overall was enlightened by some examples of hate the Jewish community has experienced, but feel he emphasized that a bit to much to the detriment of being able to go deeper into other other groups issues. And while I agree some “anti-zionist” groups take it too far, it shouldn’t be equated as much as he did with anti-semitism. His almost entire lack of talking about Israel’s issues toward Palestine…or “hate against Palestinians” seems to take away his credibility. While it is nuanced and neither Israel nor Palestine is fully in the right as I’ve learned lately of Palestine’s apparently past refusals of a 2 state system—I feel like this book was just pretty 1 sided on the issue.

[Nancy Regas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful reality check that Americans must begin to take stock. Mr. Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL, is very articulate, concise, and poignant, in his sharing true stories to demonstrate his message: hate destroys and left unchecked the unthinkable can happen anywhere. It's not a kickback and chill read; it's a get off your chair and a call to action. Do something, say something, stand up and be counted. When I was a high school counselor, I used to tell my students, sometimes standing for something means standing alone. If not me, then who? We are all responsible to not only look out for ourselves, but to look out for others as well. Martin Niemoller, the German theologian who came out against Hitler and was imprisoned said it best: "First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out-because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out-because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out-because I was not a Jew. They they came for me-and there was no one left to speak for me."

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does a great job explaining why hate is so dangerous.

[Becca Miserlian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book in a goodreads giveaway.

There are certainly some good points in here, and I think the author does a good job of using examples from multiple situations and groups, while still keeping his core focus on antisemitism, which is undoubtedly on the rise in the U.S. and elsewhere. I think the book's strongest points were its inclusion of personal stories from different people who had experienced or participated in hateful behavior and how they dealt with it.

However, I feel that there are many books that cover these same topics without the rhetorical and ideological flaws inherent to this book. Namely, while this book vaguely claims that the actions of the Israeli government should be criticized, the author never includes an example of what an "acceptable" critique looks like. Instead, any criticism of Israel or Zionism is routinely denounced as antisemitism or attacks on all Jewish people, thereby portraying all Jews as a monolith on this issue, when the reality is very different.

Additionally, this book's commitment to remaining "neutral" leads it to treat the "far left" and the white nationalist far right as rhetorically equal, frequently devoting an equal amount or more space to various comments from liberal politicians and online discourse from leftists as it does to physical acts of violence, domestic terrorism, and hate crimes from the right. While there certainly are examples of antisemitic comments from the left, and those are rightly denounced, it felt like much more of the focus was on proving points against the left despite the far right being demonstrably more dangerous to minorities in nearly every way.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

****

The main thesis of the book is that it's a slippery slope from casual bigotry to discrimination and violence. As a result of this approach, at times he seems to overreact to relatively minor slights and "microaggressions" (e.g. an offhand slur in a joke on Twitter, an elementary school bully who happens to pick on a Jewish victim, etc.). But he does ultimately paint a convincing picture of how things could rapidly spiral out of control.

As the CEO of the ADL, Greenblatt is understandably mostly concerned with combating anti-semitism in the US, but also addresses related hate crimes against other communities, and uses the situation in Europe as a cautionary tale. He tries hard to appeal to both sides of the American political divide, but doesn't hold back in his criticism of trump and his enablers.

The book feels a bit like it's been cobbled together from existing resources, but within each chapter the writing is mostly to the point with clear and direct examples and exhortations. He does come across as a bit self-aggrandizing, but given the constant level of attacks he receives from both sides, perhaps that's an inevitable response.

Although I don't agree with everything he says, I've rounded up a star in the rating to combat the negative reviews that exemplify the very tendencies he's warning against.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear eyed view of persecution, and how it happens and how the United States is slipping towards more hate, perhaps even civil unrest. Greenblatt's solutions seem rather obvious, at least to the usual audience for such a book. Enacting the solutions in this divided landscape are not very easy; he challenges the reader to pay a cost to maintain the freedoms we enjoy. It is a message that needs to be heard and heeded in every generation, but especially now.

One thing bugged me was that to Greenblatt somehow challenging Israel is inherently anti-Semitic. He gets fuzzy here and really doesn't define the "complex" problem, but still lays down the claim that if you cross that line (one that isn't well defined) you inhabit space with every racist, bigot, and insurrectionist. The effect is one that undercuts his arguments for self-reflection and self-criticism. If I bracket this, excusing Greenblatt of avoiding the hard topic because his various constituencies might pounce on him if he gets specific, the rest of the book warrants four stars.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glad to have read it but, honestly, most of the information could have been distilled into a long article that was more powerful and focused.
The highlights:
-- Open FBI terrorism investigations exploded from around 800 in 2015 to approximately 2,000 in 2021. Most were related to white supremacy and other far-right causes.
-- FBI data lists 7,314 hate crimes in 2019 while the ADL claims more than 11,000 acts of extremism or antisemitism 2019-2020.
-- Highly recommend Chapter 6 about the possibility of widespread violence, acts of civil war and even genocide. He quotes Harvard Prof. Steven Levitsky saying he doesn't know of a single democracy on Earth that survived a transition from one dominant founding ethnic group into minority status.
-- Liked the personalized anecdotes beginning each chapter, some imprinting strong (and troubling) images.
-- Chapter on fighting hate in everyday life was solid and could have been expanded to cover (in distilled form) most of the solutions-oriented topics in the last four chapters.

[Marsha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a book club book: we had the meeting last night. NO ONE liked the book. But this dislike was based on a few of things. We were probably the totally wrong audience for the book on at least two scales; first it seemed to be teaching and pointing out stuff that we, as mostly middle aged Jews, already were aware of. Second, none of us really have friends or acquaintances who could benefit from any of the ideas suggested. My own thought was it would be a much better reference book than a reading book : it has some good Ideas if an appropriate situation should rise, but overall it made a poor choice for book club. My personal observation Is that there seems to be less emphasis on the actual title _ It Could Happen Here_, and pointing out what signs you should look out for. And of course, it was written right before the second Trump administration, in which there could have been a lot of current examples.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought provoking book that also offers solutions on how to combat hate. You would think that in the 21st century we would have evolved enough to not judge people or hate people based on the color of their skin, the religion they follow or don't follow, and all the rest of the biases we have. We have to remember history and not erase it, even the parts that are very painful. The good, the bad, and the ugly have all played a role in everyone's life but rather than rewrite it, we have to accept it and move forward. If we move forward with love in our hearts instead of all this hate, then the world can be a better place. I thought we were beyond all this but with the climate in our country and even the world its truly sad to see that this is all rearing its ugly head again. Will we ever learn?

[Margaret Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very excellent analysis of rising anti-semitism--both on the right and the left. I thought it was going to better answer the question of how the US got to the "insurrection" of Jan. 6th and whether the kind of fascism that we saw in Nazi Germany could happen here. Not quite as much on that topic although it is really Greenblatt's response of both Tree of Life and Jan. 6th. Instead, what I found particularly compelling was his description of the Pyramid of Hate and how to interrupt it, especially for religious leaders and most especially educators. I read it because I have one person who is now in the ADL Glass Leadership Fellowship and we are an ADL Signature Synagogue with a recent ADL program. Well worth the read.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really tough subject matter it felt well organized and comprehensive - I also appreciated that it held what seemed like tangible suggested resources and solutions whether you were a parent, interfaith leader, government official, witness or victim of hate and many other roles. The author did a good job of pointing to extremism across part lines and subject matter. It is hard to give this a rating because I don’t feel I have enough experience in the subject matter. I found it tough to read because the subject matter was so heavy but it wasn’t depressing or overly optimistic- again it seemed to walk that middle ground well holistically- which leads me to believe people of one opinion or another will take issue with some statement(s) or positions.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonathan Greenblatt is the current director of the Anti-Defamation League, an organization formed to fight antisemitism and hate. I need to think about some of his positions, but his overall thesis - that we are moving up the Pyramid of Hate (https://www.adl.org/sites/default/fil...) in this country and world wide - seems irrefutable. He closes with the admonishment that we cannot hide from hate when it presents itself, instead responding as Moses when called by god. "Hineni." Here I am. His notions of teaching respect for all individuals in the schools and calling on businesses to be ethical leaders flies in the face of current political rhetoric. Troubling times.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was pretty surreal reading this in the wake of October 7, amidst the absolute orgy of antisemitism that’s currently raging across western countries. It made Greenblatt’s words feel idealistic; we now know better than to believe that hatred of Jews has lessened at all in recent years. People have just decided to rebrand it. Anyway, I admire his optimism, but my guess is he’ll need to reissue an updated edition as clearly the ways we’ve been trying to fight hate haven’t accomplished what we hoped.

[Servando Patlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes it is happening

An important book for our times. One important group omitted is the fate of the elderly who are severely disrespected, marginalized, and made invisible by a youth oriented culture. I would love to see the ADL work more with Star and local government administrators who are the face of government and who often exceed their authority to make difficult or deny access to basic services and opportunities to do business with government.

[Liz Norell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gosh, I really wanted to love this book. I stuck with it even as page after page failed to deliver much in the way of new insight or novel argument. The thing is, if you knew literally nothing of hate crimes or social media, MAYBE something here would feel revelatory ... but as it is, I wasn't the right audience. Don't get me wrong -- I agree with Greenblatt in roughly 80% of what he says. I just hoped for something more.