A survey of American Jews released by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) this week should alarm every American: 60 percent of American Jews personally witnessed anti-Semitism because of the Middle East conflict in May.
“From May 25 to June 1, 2021, we polled a nationally-representative sample of American Jewish adults on our behalf, asking questions about their recent experiences with anti-Semitism. Their responses indicate that American Jews have witnessed more anti-Semitic incidents, are concerned for their safety and feel there is more that leaders should be doing to address this,” a survey summary stated.
The ADL survey delves into anti-Semitism in America following the Israel-Hamas hostilities that killed Palestinians and Israelis. But anti-Semitism in the United States, including acts of hatred committed locally, is not new and efforts to end it always need to be renewed.
The Marblehead Police Department launched an investigation after anti-Semitic and racist graffiti was reported on Warren Road, Village Street and Crocker Park on May 1 and 2. In September 2020, Marblehead and Swampscott Police investigated reports of anti-Semitic graffiti.
Anti-Semitism and other forms of hate enjoy fertile breeding grounds on the internet, even as the ADL and other organizations work to counter it. When graffiti, acts of violence and anti-Semitic statements go unchalleged, their perpetrators are given license to embolden their hatred and amplify their message.
No act of hatred and anti-Semitism is isolated, and each one can be traced back to a source of motivation or a hate-filled influencer.
Hate must be confronted, rooted out and destroyed where and whenever it rears its head. Toward that end, the ADL is holding a summit Nov. 7-9 titled “Never is Now,” to discuss anti-Semitism and address ways to end it.
With the pandemic’s end in sight — at least in the United States — in-person meetings will convene again and provide opportunities to confront anti-Semitism and other forms of hatred.
“We must continue to show strength as we combat anti-Semitism and all forms of hate,” concludes the ADL report.
We agree.
