Jewish Community fights back amid alarming rise in San Diego hate incidents

San Diego County’s Jewish community is confronting a troubling 28% increase in antisemitic incidents, according to a recent Anti-Defamation League (ADL) report. The data, covering 2024, shows a rise from 108 cases in 2023 to 139, with a particularly alarming spike on college campuses, where incidents more than doubled from 12 to 27. This surge mirrors a national trend, with the ADL documenting 9,354 anti-Semitic incidents across the United States in 2024, the highest since tracking began in 1979. The escalation is largely attributed to heightened tensions following the Israel-Hamas war that began in October 2023.

Matt Brown, ADL’s west director of incident response and law enforcement initiatives, noted that the sustained rise reflects a troubling normalization of antisemitism in American society, fundamentally altering the Jewish experience. Local universities, including UC San Diego, are under scrutiny, with the Department of Education investigating 60 institutions for antisemitic discrimination and harassment. Additionally, the Trump administration revoked visas for approximately 40 international students involved in anti-Israel protests at UCSD and San Diego State University, though about half were later reinstated.

In response, San Diego’s Jewish community is mobilizing. The ADL, alongside the Jewish Federation of San Diego and other organizations, launched the Finest Community Coalition to unite Jewish leaders in combating antisemitism. The coalition aims to develop coordinated strategies, share best practices, and respond collectively to incidents. “San Diego is our home, and I want to ensure it remains a safe, proud space for Jewish children,” said coalition director Adam Maslia, emphasizing the personal stakes of the fight.

Fabienne Perlov, ADL San Diego Regional Director, urged resilience, stating, “We cannot let antisemitism define us.” Despite the challenges, the community’s resolve and pride remain strong, fostering hope for a safer future.