As a member of the Jewish community, the prevalence of discrimination is a harsh reality I face. While I consider myself fortunate to have only encountered anti-Semitic slurs a few times, each experience is etched in my memory. Being the grandchild of Holocaust survivors serves as a constant reminder that, as a Jewish woman, I am often seen as a target for hostility and violence.
However, my awareness of this vulnerability has intensified over the past year. The sociopolitical climate in the United States has shifted towards extremism and bigotry, with white nationalism gaining a disturbing foothold. In the last six months alone, I have witnessed two alarming incidents of anti-Semitism firsthand.
In one instance, a child at my son’s school remarked that Hitler “wasn’t so bad” and suggested that Jews deserved their fate in the Holocaust. He went on to label Jews as evil and accused them of engaging in “satanic rituals.” This unsettling encounter took place just three weeks ago on the school playground.
Earlier, while riding the subway in New York City, my five-year-old, who was just beginning to read, pointed to a word and asked, “K-I-K-E. What does that spell, Mommy?” My instinct was to quickly move my children away from the situation, battling nausea at the sheer horror of it.
I am not isolated in my experience. A recent report from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reveals a shocking 60% increase in anti-Semitic incidents in 2017—the largest single-year rise since the ADL began tracking these occurrences in 1979.
Feeling a mix of sickness, horror, and vulnerability is an understatement. The report indicated that there were 1,986 reported anti-Semitic incidents in 2017, marking a 57% uptick from the previous year. These incidents included physical assaults, harassment, attacks on Jewish institutions, and vandalism.
Historically, the majority of anti-Semitic incidents occurred in public spaces; however, in 2017, K-12 schools reported the highest number of incidents—457 cases, a staggering 94% increase from 2016. “The persistent rise in anti-Semitic incidents against students of all ages is deeply concerning,” remarked Jonathan Greenblatt, the ADL’s CEO. “Many students do not always report bullying, so each documented incident likely represents many more that go unreported.”
The number of harassment incidents also rose, totaling 1,015, which included a wave of bomb threats targeting Jewish institutions, including daycare centers and preschools. Such threats surged by 101% during that year. For the first time in a decade, incidents were reported in all 50 states, with New York and California witnessing the most significant increases due to their large Jewish populations.
Importantly, these statistics only reflect incidents reported to the ADL; many others undoubtedly remain unreported due to fear of retaliation. The current societal climate—one rife with hatred and incivility—is responsible for this troubling rise in incidents. This phenomenon is not isolated to the Jewish community; it impacts all minority groups.
“The confluence of events in 2017 led to a surge in attacks on our community—ranging from bomb threats to cemetery desecrations and children bullying children at school,” Greenblatt stated. “These occurrences coincided with a wider societal incivility and the empowerment of hate groups.”
So, what actions can be taken? The ADL stresses that reporting and bringing attention to these hate incidents is vital. It is imperative that educators, law enforcement, government officials, and everyday citizens do everything within their power to prevent such occurrences from continuing. For more specific actions and policies the ADL advocates, check out their detailed press release.
The reality is that these incidents are happening daily, and this is not an exaggeration. This is our current world, and we must remain acutely aware. The targeting of individuals is not confined to Jews; hate and extremism are affecting all minority groups, and the outlook does not appear promising.
Nevertheless, I refuse to succumb to despair. As Anne Frank once said, “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.” I envision a world free from hate for my children and yours. We have the ability to enact change; we must strive to do so.
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Summary:
This article discusses the alarming rise in anti-Semitic incidents in the United States, highlighting a 60% increase in 2017 according to the Anti-Defamation League. Personal anecdotes illustrate the impact of such hate on individuals and families, emphasizing the need for awareness and action from all sectors of society. The narrative also connects to broader themes of inclusivity and the importance of supporting families through resources related to home insemination.