Antisemitic Incidents in New York Soared 110% in 2023, Shattering Previous Records and Sparking Deep Concern
According to new data released by ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) today, reported antisemitic incidents in 2023 rose by 110% in New York, reaching 1,218 total incidents – the highest number ever recorded by ADL in the state and the second highest number recorded in any state across the country last year. This is on the heels of a record-breaking year in 2022, which saw a 39% increase from 2021. Almost 14% of the nation’s antisemitic incidents in 2023 took place in New York State.
ADL recorded 8,873 incidents of assault, harassment, and vandalism across the country. The total represents a 140-percent increase from 2022 – already a record-setting year – and the highest level recorded since ADL started tracking this data in 1979.
The data reflects a disturbing increase from last year’s record high of 580 antisemitic incidents. In the fourth quarter alone of 2023, ADL recorded 815 antisemitic incidents in New York – more than the total incidents for all of 2022. Significantly, antisemitic incidents related to Israel and Zionism soared from 26 in 2022 to 393 in 2023.
Antisemitic incidents increased significantly in two of the three main categories compiled by ADL – harassment and vandalism. Incidents related to assault decreased by 25%.
“ADL’s 2023 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents confirms what Jewish communities across New York state have seen firsthand – antisemitism is a statewide and national emergency,” said Scott Richman, ADL New York/New Jersey Regional Director. “New York documented a shocking 1,218 antisemitic incidents last year – more than double the previous record reached in 2022. We call on all community and government leaders to make fighting antisemitism and supporting the Jewish community a key priority.”
Major New York Findings
The Audit classified incidents into three categories:
- Harassment up by 226% (783 incidents)
- Vandalism up by 42% (381 incidents)
- Assault down by 25% (54 Incidents)
Antisemitic incidents in New York took place in a wide variety of locations:
- Public Areas (423) – up by 56%
- Jewish Institutions (345) – up by 311%
- Non-Jewish K-12 Schools (173) – up by 226%
- Colleges and Universities (110) –up by 214%
- Homes (71) – up by 9%
- Businesses (56) – up by 30%
A disproportionate number of reported antisemitic incidents – 815 – took place during Q4 (October, November, December) of 2023. Following the brutal Hamas attacks in Israel, there were 802 incidents reported between 10/7 and 12/31. By comparison, there were 129 reported incidents in Q1, 128 reported incidents in Q2 and 146 reported incidents in Q3. This puts Q4 508% above the average of 134 incidents per quarter before 10/7. The number of recorded antisemitic assaults followed this trend as well, with 27 reported in Q4 compared to 14 reported in Q1, 14 reported in Q2, and 17 reported in Q3.
A total of 266 incidents involved the display of a Nazi swastika, representing a 14% increase from 2022 and 22% of the total incidents that took place in 2023.
