A recent report by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has revealed a significant increase in antisemitic incidents in the United States following the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre in Israel. The report indicates that antisemitic incidents rose over 200% compared to the same period the year before, with over 10,000 incidents recorded – the highest number since tracking began in 1979.
According to the ADL Center on Extremism, the incidents were categorized into three types: verbal or written harassment, vandalism, and physical assaults. Verbal or written harassment accounted for over 8,000 incidents, while there were over 1,840 cases of vandalism and more than 150 physical assaults.
Notably, around 12% of these incidents occurred on college campuses, marking a significant increase from the previous year. Additionally, approximately 20% of the incidents took place at Jewish institutions such as synagogues and Jewish centers, while around 30% occurred during anti-Israel rallies.
The report also highlighted a 140% increase in antisemitic incidents in 2023 alone compared to the previous year. The ADL expects this figure to continue rising as they gather more data from partners, law enforcement, and victims.
Experts and watchdog groups have expressed concern over the growing number of antisemitic incidents not only in the U.S. but also in Europe. In the United Kingdom, the Community Security Trust reported a record-high of 2,093 antisemitic incidents over a two-month period, the highest reported since 1984.
Similarly, Canada has witnessed a surge in antisemitic incidents targeting Jewish institutions, including schools, community centers, and synagogues. Israel's Consul General to Montréal raised alarm over the dangerous environment for visibly Jewish individuals in the city, citing multiple attacks on Jewish community buildings.
Casey Babb, an expert on terrorism and international security, noted a significant increase in hate crimes in Canada, with the majority targeting the Jewish community. Babb expressed concerns that Canada may be experiencing one of the most antisemitic periods in its history.
