The Japanese American National Museum Decries the Rise in Antisemitic Hate Crimes

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) decries the rise in antisemitic hate crimes. According to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino, Los Angeles experienced eighty antisemitic cases from January 1, 2022, to October 31, 2022. Most recently, a Texas man was arrested on the night of Sunday, December 18, 2022, on suspicion of carving Nazi symbols into the base of a large menorah in Beverly Hills. He was charged with felony vandalism and a hate crime. Sunday was the first night of Hanukkah. Detectives are looking into the case and the possibility of additional charges. Antisemitic violence spikes around traditional Jewish holidays, events in the Middle East, or after antisemitic comments from celebrities or politicians.

“The rise in antisemitic hate crimes is alarming and dangerous. Not a season goes by when Jews throughout the nation are able to worship in safety. The rise in the incidence of antisemitic hate crimes is a direct result of what happens when leaders and influencers are allowed to spew hate speech unchecked. We stand with the Jewish community during this stressful time and strongly condemn antisemitism and hate in all its forms,” said Ann Burroughs, President and CEO.

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