Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By simmons on May 9, 2017

According to the recently-released Anti-Defamation League Annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents, there was a 51 percent increase of incidents of anti-Semitism in Florida from 137 verified incidents in 2016 up from 91 the previous year.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), founded in 1913, defines itself as the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.

The ADL has been tracking anti-Semitic incidents in the United States since 1979. The audit includes both criminal and non-criminal incidents including acts of harassment and intimidation; distribution of hate propaganda; threats; and slurs.

Compiled using information provided by victims, law enforcement and community leaders and evaluated by the ADL's professional staff the audit provides an annual snapshot of this nationwide problem while identifying possible trends or changes in the types of activity reported.

The annual ADL Audit encompasses all incidents reported to the ADL Florida office, law enforcement, media or other sources. These include incidents of vandalism, assault and harassment targeting Jewish individuals and institutions.

This information assists the ADL in developing and enhancing its programs to counter and prevent the spread of anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry.

"There is no doubt that anti-Semitism is still deeply embedded in our society," said Yael Hershfield, the ADL's Florida interim regional director. "The increase in its manifestations is sobering and should alarm us all.

"This year's audit is a painful reminder that anti-Semitism still poses a threat. Our work assisting victims of anti-Semitism and pro-actively working to create a society free of bigotry is needed now more than ever."

Florida Regional Chair Scott Notowitz added, "The ADL is the leader in the fight against anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry and in combating extremism emanating from all factions of society. Hate is a learned act and can be unlearned.

"The ADL's educational programs are designed to transform attitudes and have had a significant impact. Throughout the State of Florida, the ADL will stand up and speak out against anti-Semitism no matter what the source."

Florida's increase mirrors the national increase in anti-Semitic incidents, which rose 35 percent from 941 incidents to 1,266.

Florida continues to be in the top four states reporting incidents of anti-Semitism with only California, New York and New Jersey reporting higher numbers of anti-Semitic incidents.

The largest increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Florida was in the category of anti-Semitic harassment. There were 119 incidents of anti-Semitic harassment in Florida in 2016, almost double the total of 61 from 2015.

The counties with the highest number of reported incidents in 2016 were Palm Beach with 42, and Miami-Dade and Broward, each with 26. In total, incidents were reported in 26 of Florida's 67 counties.

One of the biggest examples of anti-Semitic incidents throughout 2016 and into 2017 is that numerous Jewish institutions in Florida and around the nation reported receiving anti-Semitic and harassing faxes.

Some staff members and affiliated leaders received these faxes at their home and office fax machines. Even many college campuses received these faxes.

Some of these faxes have been attributed by authorities to a hacker by the name of Andrew Auernheimer an unabashed racist and anti-Semite who claimed credit for exploiting network printers/fax machines to print racist and anti-Semitic flyers.

"White supremacists [like Auernheimer], emboldened by the rhetoric of the 2016 presidential campaign, are stepping out of the shadows and into the mainstream," said Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League.

In a Twitter post in August 2016, Auernheimer claimed to have exploited 50,000 printers to print his latest flyer.

For more information about the ADL's Florida Region or to report an anti-Semitic incident to the ADL visit florida.adl.org or http://www.facebook.com/adlflorida or call the ADL Florida Office at 561-988-2900.

More here:
Anti-Semitic incidents in Florida rise 51 percent - Sun Sentinel

Category: Anti-Defamation League
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