Antisemitism on the rise in Florida and across the nation

Antisemitic incidents are at an all-time excessive on this nation, in response to the Anti-Defamation League. In Florida, the numbers are staggering.

“In Florida, we had a 50% improve in antisemitic incidents in 2021. which was an all-time excessive at 198 incidents,” Lonny Wilk with the ADL of Florida stated.

Wilk stated within the year-long overview that 2020 did not fare significantly better.

“In 2020, the yr earlier than, we had set a report then and we had a 40% improve over 2019,” he stated.

Wilk stated we’re seeing a gradual rise within the ranges of antisemitism.

“In January fliers with antisemitic language have been distributed throughout 5 states together with South Florida,” he stated.

And earlier this month, in Boca Raton, Jewish residents woke as much as flyers exterior their houses that had the face of Adolf Hitler on them.

“We noticed an increase in Florida and throughout the nation of antisemitism emanating from anti-Israel demonstrations, and anti-Israel attitudes, particularly through the Might battle final yr between Israel and Hamas,” he stated.

Rabbi Andrew Rosenkranz stated it is exhausting, it’s scary, and it is eye-opening.

“It is a reminder each single yr that we now have to be vigilant in our society, this nation, and work on eradicating. It is by no means going to occur to do away with hatred and racism, however we will take measures that it lessens,” he stated.

Rabbi Rosenkranz stated it may be robust talking on the synagogue about these incidents.

“How do you communicate to your flock? Positively. You do not hand over, you do not hand over. You all the time should imagine that love and compassion and empathy are going to win out over hatred, bigotry, and racism,” he stated.

Whereas harassment and vandalism had seen main will increase, the one class that did not see a rise in Florida was assault.

Scripps Solely Content material 2022