ADL Audit: Anti-Semitic Incidents Reported In DC Region In 2010 Remain Level

WASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following a consistent trend over the last several years, the number of anti-Semitic incidents in the DC region remained constant in 2010, with a total of 53 incidents of assaults, vandalism and harassment reported during the calendar year, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).  

The ADL Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents, released today, found that the number of anti-Semitic incidents increased nominally in 2010, to a total of 53 incidents, compared to 52 incidents reported in 2009.  

The ADL Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents tracks incidents of vandalism, harassment and physical assaults against Jewish individuals, property and community institutions across the U.S., using reports and data gathered by the League's 30 regional offices and law enforcement.

"Although we take comfort that the number of anti-Semitic incidents in the DC region did not increase in 2010, we are acutely aware that even one incident is too many, and that each and every incident is not just an attack on an individual, but on the entire community," said David C. Friedman, ADL's Washington, DC Regional Director. "Despite our region's efforts to educate, to raise awareness, and to legislate, anti-Jewish incidents remain a negative presence in the lives and experience of the Washington, DC region's Jewish community."

      The 2010 Washington, DC Regional Office's ADL Audit identified:

• 45 cases of anti-Semitic harassment, threats, and events;
• 8 cases of anti-Semitic vandalism;
• 0 physical assaults on Jewish individuals.

The Washington, DC Regional Office's Audit comprises data from Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and the District of Columbia, including official crime statistics as well as information provided to ADL's DC Regional Office by victims, law enforcement officers and community leaders and members.  The Audit encompasses criminal acts, such as vandalism, violence and threats of violence, as well as non-criminal incidents of harassment and intimidation.  

Majority of Incidents Concentrated in Maryland and Virginia

In 2010, Maryland and Virginia were the states with the highest reported totals of those in the Washington DC Regional Office's jurisdiction.  The majority of incidents were concentrated in Maryland, with 19 incidents in 2010, up from 18 in 2009; and Virginia, with 20 incidents, up from 12 in 2009.  

"As a measurement of anti-Semitism in America, the Audit helps us to identify trends across our region and pay close attention to how and where these incidents present themselves, and to what degree," said Sophie Dornstreich, ADL's Washington, DC Associate Regional Director.  "This information helps us to collaborate with law enforcement and others in our region's cities and communities to actively address the problem of anti-Jewish hatred."

Selected Incidents in 2010

Vandalism (Total 8 incidents reported, or 15 percent of the total):

Maryland:  On the second night of Passover, congregants left the synagogue's Seder to find 13 swastikas and KKK graffiti throughout the parking lot.

Virginia:  A synagogue was vandalized with swastikas; with one spray painted on the front door and the other spray painted on the walkway.

Harassment, Threats and Events (Total 45 incidents reported, or 84.9 percent of the total):

North Carolina:  A Superintendent of a school district reported that a 7th grade girl was called "fat dirty Jew" by some classmates and that a piece of paper with a swastika drawn on it was left on her bus seat.

Virginia:  A flag depicting a yellow Jewish star with the word "Jude" written inside was flown in a burned down lot.

About the ADL Audit

The Audit identifies both criminal and non-criminal acts of harassment and intimidation, including distribution of hate propaganda, threats and slurs.  Compiled using official crime statistics, as well as information provided by victims, law enforcement officers and community leaders and evaluated by ADL's professional staff, the Audit provides an annual snapshot of a nationwide problem while identifying possible trends or changes in the types of activity reported. The Audit does not include the thousands of anti-Semitic events and expressions occurring in cyberspace, as it is virtually impossible to quantify. This information assists ADL in developing and enhancing its programs to counter and prevent the spread of anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry.  

Editor's Note:  More information on the 2010 Audit, including state-by-state numbers, is available on the League's website at www.adl.org.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.  

SOURCE Anti-Defamation League