Advocacy and Impact: Fighting Antisemitism and Hate from the Halls of Congress to the West Wing

Lauren Wolman is ADL’s Director of Government Relations, leading on key issues including extremism, national security, appropriations, and hate crimes. Lauren previously worked on Capitol Hill for 13 years, where she led efforts to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship, combat antisemitism, and fight hate in all forms. She served as the Floor Director and Legislative Director for Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Chief Deputy Whip and senior member of the Appropriations Committee. She also worked for her hometown representative, Congressman Brad Sherman where she ultimately became his Legislative Director and Deputy Chief of Staff. Lauren was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Joel Cohen is Director of Government Relations for the ADL (Anti-Defamation League), where he leads ADL’s federal advocacy efforts on tech policy, specifically related to combating hate online and international affairs. He began his career interning on Capitol Hill for United States Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland during his final semester at Syracuse University. Following graduation, he was hired full-time in the Senator’s personal office before transitioning to work for the Senator in his capacity as a Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC). After a brief hiatus from the Hill, during which he obtained his M.P.A. from the University of Maryland, he returned to Capitol Hill as a Legislative Assistant focusing on foreign policy and gaming issues and was subsequently promoted to Legislative Director in the Office of Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s First Congressional District.

Jonathan is ADL’s Assistant Director of Government Relations, where he leads our federal lobbying on education, including campus antisemitism. Prior to joining ADL, he was the Jewish Democratic Council of America’s Outreach Director, where he oversaw their 15 state chapters across the country and led their grassroots advocacy efforts.He is a proud graduate of the University of Maryland, where he served as Student Body President, representing over 30,000 undergraduate students at the University to lawmakers, University administrators, and in the media.His work has been mentioned in English and Spanish language press on CNN, The Washington Post, New York Times, Univision, and The Jerusalem Post.