📈 Antisemitism in San Diego Reaches Unprecedented Levels, ADL Reports

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has released its 2024 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, revealing a disturbing surge in antisemitic activity both nationally and within San Diego. The report indicates that 2024 marked the fourth consecutive year of record-setting antisemitic incidents across the United States, with a total of 9,354 incidents—a 5% increase from 2023 and the highest number since ADL began tracking in 1979.​

📊 San Diego's Alarming Statistics

In San Diego, antisemitic incidents have escalated significantly:​

• Total incidents: 139 in 2024, up 28% from 108 in 2023.

• Harassment: 105 incidents, a 19% increase from 88 in 2023.

• Vandalism: 30 incidents, up 67% from 18 in 2023.

• Assaults: 4 incidents, doubling from 2 in 2023.

• College campuses: 27 incidents, a 125% rise from 12 in 2023.

• K–12 schools: 15 incidents, a decrease from 21 in 2023.​

Over the past five years, San Diego has experienced a 379% increase in antisemitic incidents, rising from 29 in 2020 to 139 in 2024.​

🗣️ Community Response and Legislative Action

Fabienne Perlov, ADL San Diego's Regional Director, expressed deep concern over the data, particularly the sharp increase in campus-related antisemitism and violent assaults. She emphasized the normalization of antisemitic rhetoric in schools and public spaces, stating that the Jewish community deserves to live and learn without fear.​

In response to the rise in antisemitic vandalism, ADL San Diego sponsored the Stop Hate Littering Act (AB 3024), led by Assemblymember Chris Ward. This legislation addresses the increase in antisemitic flyering and represents a foundational step in combating tactics intended to instill fear in the community.​

🤝 How You Can Help

Community members are encouraged to take the following actions:​

• Report incidents: If you experience or witness antisemitism, report it to ADL at www.adl.org/report-incident.

• Advocate for funding: Contact local legislators to support increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which protects faith institutions from extremist threats.

• Promote education: Advocate for enhanced Holocaust education across all educational levels.

• Support definitions: Encourage the adoption of the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism to better understand and address manifestations of hate.

  
  

For more information and to get involved, visit www.adl.org.​San Diego Jewish World

Note: This blog post is based on the article “ADL: Antisemitism in San Diego at Historic Levels” published on April 22, 2025, by San Diego Jewish World.