Surge in Anti-Semitic Incidents Marks the Highest Increase in Decades

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As an American Jew, I’ve faced discrimination throughout my life, though fortunately, I’ve encountered only a few instances of anti-Semitic slurs. Each experience stays with me, etched in my memory, especially as the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors. It’s a stark reminder that being Jewish often positions me as a target for hate and violence. However, my awareness of this reality has intensified over the past year.

The atmosphere in the United States has shifted dangerously towards extremism and hatred, with white nationalism gaining unprecedented visibility. In just the past six months, I have personally witnessed two distressing incidents of anti-Semitism.

For instance, a child at school told one of my sons that Hitler “wasn’t so bad” and suggested that Jews deserved what happened to them during the Holocaust. This occurred merely three weeks ago on the playground. Just a few months prior, while traveling on the subway in New York City, my five-year-old, who was learning to read, blurted out, “K-I-K-E. What does that spell, Mommy?” I quickly moved my children to another seat, grappling with the nausea that such ignorance inspired.

I am not alone in feeling this surge of hatred. A recent report from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) revealed a shocking 60% increase in anti-Semitic incidents in 2017. This marks the largest annual spike since the ADL began tracking these events in 1979.

The numbers are staggering: 1,986 anti-Semitic incidents were reported in 2017, which is a 57% rise from the previous year. These incidents included physical assaults, harassment, attacks on Jewish institutions, and acts of vandalism.

Interestingly, while public spaces previously saw the most incidents, K-12 schools reported the highest number this past year, with 457 incidents—a staggering 94% increase from 2016. Jonathan Greenblatt, the ADL’s CEO, commented on the troubling trend, noting that students often do not report bullying incidents, suggesting the actual numbers may be even higher.

Incidents of harassment also surged, totaling 1,015, which included 163 bomb threats directed at Jewish institutions, such as daycare centers. This marks a 101% increase from the previous year. Alarmingly, incidents were reported in all 50 states, the first time this has happened in a decade, with states like New York and California, home to large Jewish populations, experiencing the most significant rises.

It’s vital to highlight that these figures represent only reported incidents. Many victims may feel too frightened to come forward. The rise in anti-Semitic acts is a reflection of a broader societal issue, affecting all minority groups, not just the Jewish community.

As Greenblatt pointed out, various events in 2017, including bomb threats, cemetery desecrations, and white supremacist rallies, contributed to this disturbing rise in hostility. He indicated that these events occurred amidst a climate of incivility and the emboldening of hate groups, leading to deepening societal divisions.

So how can we combat this? The ADL emphasizes that reporting and publicly addressing these hate incidents is a crucial first step. Everyone—including educators, law enforcement, government officials, and everyday citizens—must take proactive measures to prevent these occurrences from continuing. More information on their suggested actions can be found in their official press release here.

Ultimately, it is imperative that we recognize the reality of daily anti-Semitism. This is not a trivial matter; it reflects the world we currently inhabit. Other minority groups are also facing increased scrutiny and hostility, and the trend shows no signs of abating.

Yet, I remain hopeful. In the words of Anne Frank, “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.” This is not the world I wish for my children or for yours. We can, and must, strive for a better future.

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