Why Are Boston Area Anti-Semitic Incidents On The Rise In 2016?

Anti-Semitic incidents on the rise in 2016

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – Anti-Semitic incidents are in the rise in Massachusetts. According to the Anti-Defamation League, there have been 56 anti-Semitic or anti-Jewish incidents reported in New England during the first five months of the year.

Perhaps more startling is the fact that 47 of those 56 incidents have occurred here in Massachusetts. 23 of those incidents occurred at schools and colleges, including several at UMass in February.

“I remember its was a swastika incident,” UMass student C.K. Wijesundara told 22News. “I remember there was a swastika written outside a bathroom door. It’s definitely shocking. There’s been other incidents with racist things written outside different places on campus. It’s Amherst. You would think that it is a very inclusive town and it is for the most part.”

22News tried contacting several Jewish spiritual leaders for a comment but no one was available. With 56 anti-semitic acts reported so far this, it’s on pace to eclipse the 61 anti-Jewish incidents that were reported in all of 2015.

Experts say a combination of social media and political rhetoric may be to blame for this rise in hate

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