Anti-Semitic Attacks Rise In Massachusetts: ADL

Massachusetts had the fourth-highest number of anti-Semitic incidents in 2018, according to a report by the Anti-Defamation League Tuesday. There were three assaults and 141 acts of vandalism and harassment in the Bay State last year, the group said. Nationwide, there were 39 anti-Semitic assaults across the country — more than double the 2017 figure of 19.

"People across Massachusetts continue to experience anti-Semitism at historically high rates," said Robert Trestan, ADL's New England regional director, in a statement. "Every incident sends a message of hate to the entire community. After years of hate becoming normalized, bigots are turning their anti-Semitism into action through violence."

Fifty-eight cities and towns in Massachusetts recorded at least one anti-Semitic incident last year. Only California (341), New York (340) and New Jersey (200) had more incidents than Massachusetts.

"ADL is expanding law enforcement and community training programs that focus on best practices in responding to hate, and increasing its education programs for schools," Trestan said. "It is critical that everyone become engaged in eliminating anti-Semitism and all forms of hate. We all need to speak up and take action against hate – it is our best hope for the future."

These were recent anti-Semitic incidents across the state:

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