Hateful incidents against Jewish people have been on the rise over the past few years, reaching record highs in 2021, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The organization, which has been tracking incidents of harassment, vandalism, and violence against Jewish people since 1979, has noted a consistent five-year upswing in the number of anti-Semitic incidents, which it says is unprecedented in its three-plus decades of data collection. The ADL found that 2021 had the highest number of documented reports of these incidents, with 2022 expected to be similar.
This surge in anti-Semitic incidents is not limited to the United States. In New York City, police data shows that anti-Semitic incidents have more than doubled over the past two years. These incidents range from large-scale attacks like the 2018 shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, where a gunman killed 11 Jewish worshippers, to smaller incidents such as the vandalizing of Jewish schools and community centers.
The rise in anti-Semitic incidents is also apparent in the rhetoric of high-profile figures in entertainment and sports, as well as in political circles. Former President Donald Trump was recently seen dining with a known Holocaust denier, and athletes and entertainers have been openly spouting anti-Semitic tropes. This rhetoric adds to the growing concern about the rise of anti-Semitism.
The ADL has called for increased awareness and action to address this trend. The organization believes that education is key to countering anti-Semitism and encourages communities to work together to combat hate crimes. The ADL has also called for public officials to speak out against anti-Semitism and for law enforcement to take these incidents seriously.
The rise in anti-Semitic incidents is a troubling trend that must be addressed. The ADL’s data shows that education and community efforts are crucial in the fight against hate crimes. It is important for public officials and law enforcement to take these incidents seriously and work to create a safer environment for all.