April 2025
Rising Antisemitism Is At Our Door
The Problem We All Live With
On March 28, Shalom Somerville sent a letter to Mayor Ballantyne, Chief Benford, the Somerville City Council, RSJ Director Nagim-Williams, and the Human Rights Commission. They opened by expressing gratitude, stating:
”Thank you for your excellent work during these difficult days for our city, and for your leadership at City Hall last night. Your intentional and sensitive guidance has helped our community rise to meet this moment. We are especially grateful for the efforts of the Somerville Police Department, Fire Department, and ISD in ensuring everyone’s safety both inside and outside the chamber.”
The letter went on to outline several concerns regarding events that took place at City Hall that evening:
- At times, the front doors of City Hall were inaccessible due to a large group of protesters blocking entry.
- During the first break of the evening, a confrontation occurred in the hallway outside the council chamber: as attendees were exiting, a member of the “Somerville for Palestine” group spat in the face of an individual leaving the chamber.
- Outside on the steps of City Hall, a large crowd chanted and shouted so loudly that it became difficult to hear the speakers inside the chamber.
- A swastika was visible on at least one sign in the hallway.
Shalom Somerville emphasized the need for city leadership to affirm that the safety and belonging of Jewish residents is a priority. They urged city officials to protect the community and to publicly denounce those who seek to undermine Jewish identity, just as they would for any other minority group in Somerville.
How that incident reflects a trend of rising antisemitism, especially for young Jewish adults, college students, and on social media
This incident reflects a more widespread trend of rising antisemitism, particularly among
young Jewish adults and college students. In 2024, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
recorded 9,354 antisemitic incidents—a 5% increase from 2023 and an 893% surge
over the past decade—marking the highest annual total since tracking began in 1979.
Notably, 58% of these incidents were linked to criticism of Israel, especially following the
October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, with college campuses like Columbia, Cornell, and
UCLA becoming hotspots for such activities. The American Jewish Committee (AJC)
found that 83% of young Jewish adults reported experiencing antisemitism online or on
social media, highlighting the digital realm as a significant vector for hate speech. This
alarming trend has led to increased fear among Jewish communities, with many
individuals altering their behavior to avoid antisemitic targeting.
For further information:
U.S. Antisemitic Incidents Skyrocketed 360% in Aftermath of Attack in Israel, according to Latest ADL Data | ADL Jan 2024
AJC’s State of Antisemitism in America 2024 Report: Behind the Numbers | AJC Feb 2025
The impact antisemitism has on mental health
Research has shown that marginalized communities experiencing hate and discrimination — including antisemitism — often have higher rates of mental health challenges and face barriers to accessing culturally competent care. The impact of antisemitism on mental health is significant and well-documented. Here’s a summary of a few challenges :
- Increased Anxiety and Fear: Experiencing or even anticipating antisemitic incidents can cause chronic stress, hyper-vigilance, and fear for personal safety, both physically and emotionally.
- Generational Trauma: For many Jewish families, historical trauma from events like the Holocaust or systemic discrimination can be reactivated or compounded by contemporary antisemitism, deepening emotional wounds across generations
- Depression and Hopelessness: Repeated exposure to hate, discrimination, or isolation can contribute to feelings of sadness, powerlessness, and hopelessness, sometimes leading to clinical depression.
What’s being done to combat antisemitism
Recap: Key Takeaways from the Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism | Jeremy Burton
Combating Antisemitism | Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Boston
Tips for approaching difficult conversations about the Israel Palestine conflict with people you disagree with:
How to talk about Israel with someone you disagree with | Forward Feb 2024
How to talk with family and friends about the situation in Israel and Palestine | American Friends Service Committee Dec 2023
10 Ways to Have Conscientious Conversations on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict | JDL Oct 2023