2023 was 'the worst year' for Anti-Jewish hate in the Northwest, Anti-Defamation League reports

On Tuesday, the Anti-Defamation League of the Pacific Northwest released the results of its annual report, detailing a sharp increase in anti-Jewish harassment and vandalism. And the numbers were growing even before the Israel-Gaza War began in October.

“Unfortunately, what we saw was that 2023 was the worst year for antisemitic incidents, building on the dramatic year-over-year increases that we have already been seeing over the past couple of years,” said Miri Cypers, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League of the Pacific Northwest.

The group has published an annual audit of anti-Jewish incidents with the mission of stopping antisemitic hate since 1979.

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The numbers from last year, which show a 192% increase in anti-Jewish incidents in Washington state since 2022, also illustrate an increase in vandalism and harassment in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, and Oregon there were a total of 307 anti-Jewish incidents across the Northwest last year, up from 130 in 2022, according to the report. Washington state saw 190 total anti-Jewish incidents, including 31 acts of vandalism, one assault, and 158 reports of harassment last year.

The FBI says it’s also continuing to monitor anti-Jewish incidents and hate crimes in Washington, and also noted a rise. Though the numbers have been growing each year, FBI Special Agent Ryan Bruin said, there’s been an uptick in anti-Jewish incidents since the Israel-Gaza War began on Oct. 7.

“We've seen a marked increase in hoax bombs and active shooter threats targeting synagogues and Jewish Community Centers both in Washington state and nationwide,” Bruin said.

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