Rabbi Abby Jacobson paused and took a deep breath before speaking about the recent messages her congregation has received.

Leaders at Emanuel Synagogue say hateful communications targeting the Jewish community have increased in recent weeks.

“We’ve definitely seen an uptick in unpleasant forms of communication,” Jacobson said.

Still, Jacobson says the synagogue has also received an outpouring of support, both locally and from people in other states, including Michigan.

“People are already saying, ‘We’re sorry. We love you. Antisemitism has no home here,’” Jacobson said. “We appreciate it. We need to hear it.”

She says the rise in hateful rhetoric isn’t affecting only Jewish people.

“Being different isn’t always safe, and we are not the only people who are different,” Jacobson said.

Instead of staying stuck in fear or anger, Jacobson encourages people to take action. That could include contacting lawmakers, supporting organizations that fight hate or donating to causes that help vulnerable communities.

“By doing something that is helpful, by taking a helpful action, we feel less powerless,” she said.

Jacobson also had a message for the Jewish community: do not let hate lead to despair.

“We can’t be too bitter,” she said. “But together we will also find reasons to be happy. And together we will live our best lives. And that will be the best answer to antisemitism.”