WASHINGTON: The United States has witnessed a significant surge in antisemitic incidents following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has reported a staggering 400% increase in such incidents compared to October of the previous year, with over 300 cases documented since the Hamas attack on October 7.
According to Tourism Africa, college campuses have not been immune to this worrying trend. Instances of antisemitic activities, including threats against the Jewish community at Cornell University, have been on the rise. This has prompted the Biden administration to intervene, with the White House outlining a series of measures to be undertaken by the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Education in collaboration with campus and local law enforcement agencies.
The surge in antisemitic incidents is not confined to the United States; the ADL is monitoring an uptick in such incidents worldwide. Vlad Khaykin, the National Director of Programs on Antisemitism for the ADL, emphasizes that antisemitism tends to flourish during periods of uncertainty, whether it be economic downturns, wars, or pandemics. He notes that Jews comprise just over 2% of the U.S. population, yet the impact of antisemitism extends far beyond this community, posing a threat to the very fabric of society.
Khaykin highlights that persistent and baseless accusations against Jews serve as a barometer for societal health, fostering conspiracy theories and undermining the democratic process. Samantha Power, a former U.S. ambassador to the UN, has referred to antisemitism as the “canary in the coal mine,” a warning sign of deeper issues within society.
In response to this alarming trend, there are actionable steps that individuals can take to combat antisemitism. The ADL offers a plethora of online programs and resources, ranging from anti-bias training to antisemitism education. Advocacy for educational initiatives, including Holocaust education, is crucial. The Echoes and Reflections program and resources provided by the US Holocaust Memorial Museum serve as valuable tools in this regard.
Reporting hate speech and incidents of antisemitism, whether encountered in person or online, is imperative. The ADL provides an online form for reporting incidents of antisemitism, extremism, and other forms of hate and bias. Engagement with local communities and law enforcement agencies is also crucial, as demonstrated by events such as the community outreach event hosted by the ADL, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the FBI in August 2021.
Through education, advocacy, and vigilance, individuals can play a pivotal role in countering the rise of antisemitism and fostering a society that values knowledge, democracy, and inclusivity.