Antisemitic incidents decline from recent years but remain above 2022 levels, report finds
Antisemitic incidents in the United States declined compared to recent years, but remain significantly higher than levels reported in 2022, according to a new report from the Anti-Defamation League.
The report, which tracks incidents nationwide, shows a potential downward trend, though experts caution the numbers are still elevated.
"National data across the board is down and we hope that that is the beginning of a downward trend," said Andrew Goretsky, senior regional director of the ADL's Philadelphia office.
Data from the past five years illustrate that while the most recent totals have fallen from peak levels, they are nearly double those recorded in 2022. The report also cites specific acts, including an arson attack at the Pennsylvania governor's mansion in April of last year.
In the region, New Jersey and Pennsylvania rank among the states with the highest number of reported incidents, placing third and fifth, respectively.
The report breaks down the types of incidents, showing decreases in antisemitic harassment and vandalism compared with the previous year. However, physical assaults increased.
One contributing factor to the overall decline, according to the report, is a drop in antisemitic activity tied to certain anti-Israel rallies.
"We do not include all anti-Israel rallies in our audit. Only when it has support for terrorism or antisemitic tropes or animus at that rally," Goretsky said.
Despite the decline, community members say security concerns remain a part of everyday life.
"It's always a concern," said Bob Kieserman of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, who noted he regularly encounters armed law enforcement when attending synagogue. "In many, many cases when we have gatherings for whatever reason, we have to go through security."
The report also highlights schools as an area of concern. New Jersey recorded the highest number of incidents at non-Jewish K-12 schools of any state in the country.
Organizations in the region say they are working to address the issue through education and outreach.
"We work very closely with our schools, with our superintendents, our teachers," said Sabrina Spector, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Southern New Jersey. "We do a lot of Holocaust education and bullying education in the schools. Last year alone we reached about 25,000 students."
Experts note that incidents are often underreported, suggesting the true number may be higher than recorded. Reporting resources are available online through regional organizations.
