ADL Reports Anti-Semitic Hate Crimes Spiked by 100% in Rockland Country Last Year

By Yehudit Garmaise

In Rockland County, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) revealed that in 2021, anti-Semitic crimes spiked 100%, amidst a statewide surge in hate crimes compared to 2020.

The number of anti-Semitic incidents in New York state last year hit a record high of 400, which was the number that was the highest in the nation. 

While often many of the incidents reported are “only” disturbing graffiti, such as spray-painted swastikas, last year, the ADL sadly also recorded a huge spike in the number assaults perpetrated against Jews. 

The 51 assaults that were perpetrated against Jewish New Yorkers in 2021 were  unfortunately, the most attacks recorded since the ADL first released its annual audit in 1979, and showed shocking 325% spike from the 12 assaults the ADL recorded just the previous year in 2020.

“The alarming uptick in anti-Semitic incidents in our state should be deeply concerning to all: to both Jews and to those outside of the Jewish community,” Scott Richman, ADL regional director for New York/New Jersey. “The message that this data is sending us is clear: anti-Semitism, like other forms of hate, is not going away.”

In addition to 51 assaults on NY Jews, in 2021, the ADL reported 183 incidents of harassment.

Anti-Semites also made hateful marks on property, as the ADL reported 182 reports of vandalism and 161 cases involving swastikas in 2021.

Fevered attacks, including three bomb threats, on Jewish institutions, such as shuls, schools, and community centers jumped from 44 in 2020 to 62 last year.

“The fact that these incidents included a number of vicious assaults that frequently target visibly Jewish individuals on the streets of New York, including young children: is incredibly disturbing,” said Richman.