Emmy Award-winning actress behind new billboards against antisemitism in Manalapan, Hazlet

New billboards in Manalapan and Hazlet are part of a nationwide response to rising antisemitism.

The O7C (October 7 Coalition), a nonprofit founded by actress Patricia Heaton, JewBelong, a national nonprofit organization that fights antisemitism and makes Judaism accessible, and thePhilos Project, a nonprofit that seeks to promote positive Christian engagement in the Near East, are putting up four billboards in New Jersey, the organizations said.

"The billboards raise awareness of nationally skyrocketing antisemitism and spark conversations about the very real dangers associated with anti-Jewish prejudice," according to a news release. They also "seek to encourage Christians to ally with the Jewish people in the fight against antisemitism."

According to the Anti-Defamation League earlier this year, there has been a 361% increase in antisemitic incidents compared to the same period the previous year.

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The billboard campaign spans seven states. The other states are Florida, California, Colorado, Texas, Pennsylvania and Illinois.

“We’re excited to partner with JewBelong and be a part of uniting all Americans in the fight against antisemitism,” said Heaton, who twice won Emmys for her role in "Everybody Loves Raymond."

“This is a pivotal time in history and it’s more important than ever that Christians stand up for our Jewish neighbors and voice our concern over the divisive, hate-filled rhetoric and demonstrations that have infected our campuses, institutions and our democracy,” Heaton said.

The billboards in Manalapan and Hazlet were set to go up on June 3.

One reading “Standing against antisemitism is standing with America” is at Route 33 and Sweetmans Lane in Manalapan, while one reading “Jewish students deserve to be safe on campus” is set for Route 36 and Laurel Avenue in Hazlet.

Billboards reading "You don’t have to be a Jew to protect Jews” are set for the New Jersey Turnpike at Interstate 278 (Goethals Bridge) in Elizabeth and along the Atlantic City Expressway near Exit 2. The AC Expressway billboard is set to go up in July.

“It’s a scary time to be Jewish. Our community is under attack on college campuses, in the streets, and especially on social media, which accounts for so much of the hate,” said JewBelong co-founder Archie Gottesman. “We need the support of our allies more than ever. We are so grateful to O7C and Philos Project. It feels great to not have to fight alone.”

Ilana Keller is an award-winning journalist and lifelong New Jersey resident. Reach out on Twitter: @ilanakeller; [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Billboards decrying antisemitism backed by Patricia Heaton, JewBelong