Antisemitic incidents rise to record numbers in CT and nationally in 2023: ADL

Ed Stannard, Hartford Courant
·2 min read

The number of antisemitic incidents in Connecticut rose to record-setting highs in 2023, according to the Anti-Defamation League, with incidents of harassment and vandalism more than doubling.

There were 184 antisemitic incidents recorded in the state, up from 68 in 2022, a 170% increase, according to the ADL.

Connecticut was ahead of the national trend, in which 8,873 incidents were recorded last year, a 140% increase from 3,698, according to the ADL.

“Antisemitism is raging in our local communities, in our schools, in the workplace, and on the street,” said ADL Connecticut Regional Director Stacey Sobel. “Antisemitism cannot be a problem only for the Jewish people, it is incumbent upon everyone to stand up and speak out. We call on every person who cares about living in a decent society to reject anti-Jewish hatred.”

In Connecticut, there were 115 recorded incidents of harassment compared to 55 in 2022, and 69 incidents of vandalism compared to 27 in 2022.

Most of the 184 incidents, 115, occurred after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, according to the ADL Audit of Antisemitic Incidents.

There were 41 incidents at Jewish institutions and schools and 31 at other institutions and schools, according to the report. Seventeen occurred on college campuses.

Nationally, assault incidents increased by 45% to 161 incidents, vandalism increased 69% to 2,177 and harassment increased 184% to 6,535.

There were monthly increases in February (402), March (471), April (432), May (437) and September (513), each of which broke the record for a single month, set in November 2022 (394).

After Oct. 7, ADL recorded explicitly antisemitic and anti-Zionist rhetoric at 1,352 anti-Israel rallies. Excluding Israel-related incidents, antisemitic incidents rose 65% to 5,711 over the 3,457 recorded in 2022, the ADL reported.

After Oct. 7, a large number of incidents referred to Israel or Zionism or included a swastika, according to the ADL.

Ed Stannard can be reached at estannard@courant.com.