Rising Hate: Surge in US Antisemitic and Islamophobic Incidents Amidst War

Antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents have surged in the United States since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, according to two advocacy groups. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) reported 774 complaints of incidents motivated by Islamophobia and bias against Palestinians and Arabs, the highest level since 2015. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recorded a 388% rise in antisemitic incidents compared to the previous year, with 312 incidents reported, including harassment, vandalism, and assault. The incidents included violent messages on online platforms and rallies expressing support for Hamas and violence against Jews in Israel. The U.S. Justice Department is monitoring the rising threats against Jews and Muslims, and President Joe Biden has condemned antisemitism and Islamophobia.