Reported antisemitic acts up 78% this year in NC compared to last, data shows

There could be more security coming to synagogues nationwide. There’s a federal request for funding which is coming during an increase in antisemitic acts nationwide.

Mississippi, Alaska and Hawaii are the only states which haven’t reported any incidents this year, according to the Anti-Defamation League data.

In North Carolina, reported incidents are up 78% compared to last year. However, many incidents related to harassment or vandalism go unreported, so while there have been 25 we know in the first few months of this year, in reality, it could be happening much more often.

The incidents include antisemitic propaganda being distributed and swastikas being painted at different locations. Several are related to children of the Jewish faith being bullied and harassed by other kids in school.

Several North Carolina lawmakers are among those calling for funding which could be used to increase security at nonprofits, including synagogues. The lawmakers said this money could be used to enhance protection nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attacks.

The request comes as officials have warned that threats against those who are Jewish have surged in the weeks following the attacks in Israel. If approved, the funding would be part of the 2024 federal appropriation legislation.