Philadelphia, PA July 22, 2013 … The Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents, issued today, details a total of 38 reported incidents in Pennsylvania and Delaware. A slight decrease from the 39 incidents reported in 2011, these incidents included acts of vandalism and harassment against Jewish individuals, property and community institutions.
Of the 38 reported incidents, the Audit identified 22 cases of harassment and 16 cases of vandalism. They include an incident where a woman answered her son’s phone to hear, “Tell your stupid Jew kike son to stay out of REDACTED or we’ll kill him”; a victim’s front door spray painted with the words, “Get the hell out Jew or die”; and a Jewish fraternity house spray painted with the following phrase, “Get the F— Out Jews.”
“While we were spared a major tragedy this year, this does not minimize the incidents that were reported to our office” said Barry Morrison, ADL’s Regional Director. “Anti-Semitism is vile, rankles the conscience, and has no place in civil society. We encourage the community to remain vigilant and bring incidents of anti-Semitism to our attention when they occur.”
Nationally, the ADL Audit reported a total of 927 anti-Semitic incidents across the U.S. in 2012 including assaults, vandalism and harassment, marking a 14 percent decline from the 1,080 incidents reported in 2011. The 2012 total included 17 physical assaults on Jewish individuals, 470 cases of harassment, threats and events, and 440 cases of vandalism.
“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.”
The annual ADL Audit tracks incidents of vandalism, harassment and physical assaults against Jewish individuals, property and community institutions across the United States, using data reported to the League’s 30 regional offices and law enforcement across the country.
While the Audit does not include criticism of Israel or Zionism, such reports are included if they cross the line from legitimate criticism to anti-Semitism by invoking classic anti-Jewish stereotypes or inappropriate Nazi imagery and/or analogies. Public expressions of anti-Israel sentiments that demonize Jews or create an atmosphere of fear or intimidation for U.S. Jews are counted.
Majority of Incidents Concentrated in Handful of States
Continuing a consistent trend for many years, the states with the highest totals were those with large Jewish populations:
- New York State, with 248 incidents in 2012, up from 195 in 2011;
- California, with 185 incidents, down from 235;
- New Jersey, with 173 incidents, up from 144;
- Florida, with 88 incidents, down from 111.
Anti-Semitic Vandalism: Selected Local Incidents in 2012
- A victim’s front door was spray painted with the words, “Get the hell out Jew or die.”
- A Jewish individual’s car was damaged and spray painted with swastikas and the following phrases, “Nazi” and “Jew.”
- A Jewish veterinarian discovered anti-Semitic graffiti on his clinic. In an addition to swastikas and “$” signs, the words “Jew” and “Killer” were spray painted on the side of the building.
- Upon returning to their vehicles following Friday night services, Synagogue members found swastikas painted on their cars.
Anti-Semitic Harassment: Selected Local Incidents in 2012
- A nurse overheard a doctor say the following about their patients, “I hate those f—ing Jews.”
- Employee was called “Jew bastard” by his/her supervisor. In another incident the employee overheard a coworker say, “All Jews are cheap.”
- A Jewish individual was called a “dirty Jew” by a neighbor during a dispute.
- When calling to request information on the township’s policy on Christmas decorations and on government buildings, the receptionist muttered, “Ugh, you Jews” in response to her request.
Anti-Semitic Incidents on Campus: Selected Local Incidents in 2012
- A Jewish fraternity house was spray painted with the following phrase, “Get the F— Out Jews.”
- A swastika was spray painted on a Jewish fraternity’s sign.
- A Swastika was etched into the elevator wall at a Hillel.
Anti-Semitic Bullying Among Children & Teens: Selected Local Incidents in 2012
ADL also continues to receive a troubling number of complaints about children, adolescents and teenagers engaging in anti-Semitic behavior, both on and off school grounds. These incidents include physical assaults, threats of violence, and verbal and written taunts promoting anti-Semitic stereotypes or evoking disturbing Holocaust themes. The following is a list of selected local incidents in 2012 that represent anti-Semitic bullying of children, adolescents and teenagers by their peers:
- High school students displayed a cake with a swastika on it in the cafeteria. A picture of the cake later appeared on Facebook. Students’ online comments about the picture included the following, “Hitler was awesome” and “Jews can eat a d—.”
- A student is repeatedly taunted by a classmate and called, “Jew.”
- Jewish students reported having pennies thrown at them.
- Discovery of swastikas in a number of public schools throughout the region.
About the ADL Audit
The Audit identifies both criminal and non-criminal acts of harassment and intimidation, including distribution of hate propaganda, threats and slurs. Compiled using information provided by victims, law enforcement and community leaders and evaluated by ADL’s professional staff, the Audit provides an annual snapshot of one specific aspect of a nationwide problem, while identifying possible trends or changes in the types of activity reported. This information assists ADL in developing and enhancing its programs to counter and prevent the spread of anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry.
The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.