Anti-Semitic Incidents Up Slightly In Florida Last Year
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Florida notched a slight increase in the number of anti-Semitic incidents in the state last year compared to nation which saw sizeable jump.
On Monday, the Anti-Defamation League released the results of their annual Audit. It found there were 70 incidents of anti-Semitism in the state in 2014 compared to 68 incidents in 2013.
"Although there were only two additional incidents reported in Florida than the previous year, it is troubling that after decades of decreasing numbers of anti-Semitic incidents, we have now seen a troubling rise in Florida, nationwide and globally," said Hava Holzhauer, ADL's Florida Regional Director, in a statement.
When it came to harassing statements or threats there 50 incidents in Florida in 2014 compared to 55 incidents in 2013. Vandalism saw an increase - going from 13 incidents in 2013 to 19 incidents in 2014.
In Broward there were 11 reported anti-Semitic incidents, Palm Beach had 19 incidents and Miami-Dade had 21 incidents - the most in the state.
Florida's increase in anti-Semitic incidents corresponds with an upward trend across the country marked by a 21 percent upsurge nationwide.
Nationally, the Audit found 912 anti-Semitic incidents compared to 751 incidents in 2013; an increase of 21-percent. This recent increase still does not surpass the 927 incidents reported in 2012.
Florida continues to be in the top four states reporting incidents of anti-Semitism, with New York, California, and New Jersey reporting higher incidents.
The ADL's report found a trend emerged over the summer of 2014. During this time, Jewish individuals and institutions were subjected to a high level harassment and vandalism related to events in the Middle East.
"Public anti-Israel sentiments that demonize Jews create a climate for increased attacks against Jewish individuals and institutions," according to a statement from Scott Notowitz, ADL Florida Regional Chair. "It has become clear that the events in the Middle East are a catalyst for those who wish to perpetrate hate against the Jewish community."
The ADL Audit did not include criticism of Israel or Zionism in relation to events in the Middle East. However in cases where the group determined the comments or actions crossed from legitimate criticism to anti-Semitism, these incidents were counted in the Audit.
