📈 Alarming Rise in Antisemitism in San Diego: What Our Community Must Do Now

A recent Times of San Diego article reveals a troubling trend: antisemitic incidents in San Diego County have risen 28% in the past year, according to the latest Anti-Defamation League (ADL) report. With 139 incidents logged in 2024—including harassment, vandalism, and assaults—the local Jewish community is feeling the weight of a growing national crisis.

🧑‍🎓 Schools and Campuses in Focus

The report highlighted a sharp spike in campus-related incidents, jumping from 12 in 2023 to 27 in 2024. These include targeted messages, antisemitic symbols, and hostile rhetoric that makes Jewish students feel unsafe or unwelcome.

🗣️ Jewish Leaders Speak Out

🟦 Heidi Gantwerk, CEO of Jewish Federation of San Diego, reflected on this painful moment:

“There are things being said today about Jews and Israel that were said about Jews in 1940s Europe,” she noted, referencing her recent visit to a concentration camp memorial. “We are not overreacting.”

🟨 Fabienne Perlov, regional director of the ADL, added:

“Every time you normalize hate, there’s a real-life consequence.” She emphasized that this isn’t just a political issue—it’s a public safety and community cohesion issue.

🛑 What Can We Do in Response?

At Finest Community Coalition, we believe everyone has a role to play in pushing back against hate. Here's how:

✅ Educate – Learn how antisemitism shows up today, including in coded language and online conspiracy theories.

✅ Engage – Don’t be silent. Speak up at schools, work, and in civic life.

✅ Support – Uplift and listen to Jewish organizations, students, and neighbors.

✅ Report – File antisemitic incidents with the ADL or local authorities.

🤝 Join Us

This isn’t just a Jewish issue—it’s a community-wide responsibility. Together, we can build a San Diego that stands against hate in all its forms and supports a future rooted in dignity, safety, and solidarity.

📰 Read the full article for more insights and context:

👉 “Antisemitism a ‘Persistent Reality’ for Jewish San Diegans, Federation Says” – Times of San Diego