As a Jewish American, discrimination isn’t unfamiliar to me. I consider myself fortunate, having encountered only a few anti-Semitic slurs throughout my life. Yet, I recall each instance with painful clarity. Being the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors serves as a constant reminder that as a Jewish woman, I may attract hate and violence.
This past year, however, has heightened my awareness of this reality. Our nation seems to be veering towards extremism and intolerance, with white nationalism gaining unprecedented traction. In the last six months, after years of relative calm, I have personally witnessed two disheartening incidents of anti-Semitism.
Just three weeks ago, a child at school told one of my sons that Hitler “wasn’t so bad” and that Jewish people partially deserved the horrors of the Holocaust. He further claimed Jews were evil and involved in “satanic rituals.” A few months prior, while riding the NYC subway, my 5-year-old, just beginning to read, pointed out the letters “K-I-K-E” and asked, “What does that spell, Mommy?” I swiftly moved my children to another seat, overwhelmed by a wave of nausea at the gravity of the situation.
I am not alone in these experiences. A recent report from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) revealed that anti-Semitic incidents surged by nearly 60% in 2017—the most significant single-year increase since they began tracking such occurrences in 1979. The total number of incidents reported reached 1,986, marking a 57% rise from the previous year. These incidents encompass physical assaults, harassment, vandalism, and attacks on Jewish institutions.
As NPR notes, previous spikes in anti-Semitic incidents were primarily reported in public spaces. However, in 2017, K-12 schools recorded the highest number, with 457 incidents—a staggering 94% increase from 2016. “The ongoing rise in anti-Semitic incidents against students is deeply concerning,” stated Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director. “Many students do not report bullying, so for every incident documented, there are likely many more that go unreported.”
Harassment incidents also escalated, with 1,015 total cases, including 163 bomb threats directed at Jewish establishments like daycare centers and preschools. This type of threat alone saw a 101% increase. Alarmingly, a report indicated that incidents were documented in all 50 states for the first time in a decade, with states like New York and California—home to large Jewish populations—experiencing the most significant rises.
It’s crucial to note that these numbers only reflect incidents reported to the ADL. Many individuals remain too frightened to report their experiences.
This surge correlates directly with the troubling climate of hate we find ourselves in today, affecting all minority groups—not just Jews. “A series of events in 2017 contributed to a wave of aggression towards our community—from bomb threats and cemetery vandalism to white supremacist marches and children bullying each other,” remarked Greenblatt. “These occurrences unfolded amid a growing atmosphere of incivility, the empowerment of hate groups, and increasing societal divisions.”
So, what can be done? The ADL emphasizes the need for reporting and exposing these hateful incidents. Everyone—educators, law enforcement, government officials, and citizens—must work diligently to prevent such occurrences from happening again. For more on specific actions and policies the ADL supports, check out their press release here.
The reality is that these incidents are not isolated; they happen daily. This is not an exaggeration. Hate and extremism are on the rise, targeting various minorities. Yet, I remain hopeful. As Anne Frank once said, “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.”
This is not the world I envision for my children, nor for anyone’s children. We can and must do better.
Summary:
Anti-Semitic incidents in the United States have seen a dramatic rise, marking the largest single-year increase in decades. The ADL reported a 57% increase in such incidents from 2016 to 2017, with schools witnessing a concerning spike in cases. This alarming trend reflects a broader climate of hate affecting all minority groups. Reporting incidents and raising awareness is crucial to combat this issue, and we must strive for a more inclusive society.
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