'Verbiage Is Different,' Incidents Of Anti-Semitism Grow In US: Expert

LONG ISLAND, NY — As Israeli ground forces move into Gaza, anti-Semitic cases have risen dramatically in the US.

There have been more than 300 incidents between Oct. 7-23, with 190 linked to the war between Israel and Hamas, a report by the Anti-Defamation League indicates.

While hatred toward Jews is not new, Eric Post, Regional Director for the American Jewish Committee, told Patch, the rhetoric is uglier.

"I think the verbiage is different," Post said. "We're not seeing people come out and say, 'We support the Palestinians. We want a Palestinian state.' They're saying 'Free Palestine' and what we hear in the Jewish community is we're OK with what Hamas is saying."

Over the weekend, threats were made to Jewish students at Cornell University, which got the attention of Gov. Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James and the FBI. Equally disturbing, a mob of Muslims rushed a Russian airport searching for Jews who were arriving from Tel Aviv.

A large crowd protesting the war, including many wearing shirts that said Jews for Ceasefire, caused a shutdown Friday evening at Grand Central Terminal.

"We're talking about the fringe of the fringe. You can find a couple of hundred people anywhere to do anything," Post said. "They don't represent American Jewry."

Despite the increase in anti-Semitic behavior, Post is confident in the police departments on Long Island.

"They are keeping the peace," he said. "We're very grateful in the Jewish community that the police never say no to a request for added security."

Additionally, police and Jewish groups are monitoring any threats.

"There was an event at a synagogue on Saturday night that probably had 800 or 900 people," he said. "It was excellent security."

Residents shouldn't live in fear, Post said, but they should remain vigilant. The 311 is available for calls related to hate incidents in Suffolk. Nassau residents should call 516 500-0657.