Rising Bigotry and Extremism: Fear and Harassment Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

Jews, Palestinians, Muslims, and other groups in the US are reporting an increase in fear and hatred following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. Communities across the country are experiencing a rise in hate-inspired incidents, with some comparing the current climate to the post-9/11 era. Advocacy groups have recorded a significant uptick in antisemitic and anti-Muslim incidents, and there are concerns that the numbers will continue to rise if Israeli ground troops enter Gaza. Many incidents go unreported, and victims often feel a sense of futility or hopelessness in seeking justice. The tensions have also affected other groups, such as Sikhs, who have faced discrimination due to mistaken identity.