Tanya Gersh
Anti-Semitism Advocate
2021
How has a mom from Montana become a leader in fighting antisemitism?
The founder of a major neo-Nazi website orchestrated a horrific harassment campaign launching a troll storm relentlessly terrorizing Tanya Gersh and her family with anti-Semitic threats, messages and internet terrorization. The Daily Stormer, which took its name from Hitler Nazi propaganda encouraged their followers to TAKE ACTION! after Tanya agreed to sell real estate for the mother of White Nationalist, Richard Spencer. When Spencer learned his mother contacted a Jewish agent, he took action. Consequently, Andrew Anglin with the Daily Stormer took interest. Anglin’s online posts included Tanya’s personal and professional contact information and photographs of her family. To Anglin’s followers, Tanya became the enemy, and they contacted her in every way possible to be sure she knew it. The threats took an emotional, physical, social and professional toll on Tanya, her family and her whole small mountain town community, but Tanya fought back. The Southern Poverty Law Center filed suit in federal court on behalf of Tanya, winning a more than $14 million judgment against the neo-Nazi leader and took his credibility as a leader. Tanya’s groundbreaking case sends a message to extremists and others who spread hate: This will not be tolerated, and there will be serious consequences for those who terrorize – whether online, by phone or in person. Those using their right to free speech to terrorize will be held liable for the consequences of their actions. Tanya won’t let being a victim define her. Her courage and strength to not let hate win, and to assure this never happens again, is a message she has become passionate about sharing. Tanya is back to work, living her best life, and her story is currently being made into a documentary film. The lawsuit is over, but her work has just begun.
At the Summit
The effort to eradicate hate requires the active participation of every component of our society, to include governments, the private sector, communities of faith and indeed every aspect of civil society. There is no more urgent task in front of us. The organizers of the Eradicate Hate Global Summit are doing the United States and the world an enormous service by tackling hatred and extremism with a focus on honest dialogue and conversation, genuine learning and practical solutions. This will not happen overnight, but the Pittsburgh community’s leadership in this effort is genuinely inspiring and motivating.
