Anti-Semitic Incidents in U.S. Continue to Decline

Written by Angela Sykora.

An audit by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) shows the number of anti-Semitic incidents fell by 14 percent in 2012 for the third consecutive year.

The annual audit, which includes criminal and non-criminal incidents reported to the ADL in 35 states and Washington, D.C., reflects a total of 927 anti-Semitic incidents reported in 2012 compared with 1,080 in 2011, according to an ADL press release.

“It is encouraging that in the past few years we have seen a fairly consistent decline in the number of anti-Semitic incidents in the United States," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.

"While these numbers only provide one snapshot of anti-Semitism in America, to the extent that they serve as a barometer the decline shows that we have made progress as a society in confronting anti-Jewish hatred," said Foxman.  "Still, it is disturbing that there are so many incidents in America, and we must remain vigilant in responding to them and in encouraging law enforcement and the public to report these incidents as much as possible."

The 2012 audit shows there were 17 physical assaults on Jewish individuals, 470 cases of harassment, threats and events, and 440 cases of vandalism.

Despite an overall decline in incidents since 2011, the ADL reports other categories remained at a similar level or increased substantially. 

Incidents of anti-Semitic vandalism increased the most, with 33 percent more incidents reported in 2012 compared with 2011.

A total of 316 incidents involved the use or display of swastikas targeting Jews. 

In Wilmette last October, a woman returned to her car to find a Jewish day school sticker had been removed and a swastika was carved into the door while the car was parked in front of her home, according to the audit. The incident was also reported by Patch.

Read more at www.adl.org.

Information provided by the Anti-Defamation League