(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A new report highlights what officials call a disturbing and historic rise in cases of antisemitic hate here in Illinois and across the country.
David Goldenberg, midwest regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, said the cases researchers tracked in 2021 include everything from assault, harassment and vandalism.
The newly released audit shows a 34% increase in incidents nationwide, compared to 2020, and a 15% spike across Illinois.
“We’ve seen a steady uptick in the targeting of Jewish institutions,” Goldenberg said. “But the other thing that we’ve seen a steady uptick in is the number of antisemitic incidents that we’re seeing in K-12 schools and college campuses.”
He said, “We’re finding that kids are experimenting with hate and antisemitism at an alarming rate.”
The ADL report specifically highlights the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago and University of Chicago.
When it comes to causes, Goldberg points to the rise in false information on social media and political rhetoric. He said there are ways to bring the numbers down.
“Number one, you can speak out,” he said. “You’ve got to call it for what it is. The second thing is you’ve got to respond with facts.”
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