Antisemitic incidents are on the rise in most states
agsaz // Shutterstock
Antisemitic incidents are on the rise in most states
Two Jewish men wearing kippahs talking in a public bench in the financial district.
In 2022, there were nearly 1,000 more antisemitic incidents reported in the United States than in 2021 according to the Anti-Defamation League. In real numbers, the year-over-year increase represents a jump from 2,717 incidents to 3,697. This is the highest number of incidents recorded since the Anti-Defamation League began collecting data in 1979—and the third time a year-end record has been set in the last five years.
Incidents of harassment, vandalism, and assault—three major categories the ADL tracks—all also increased individually by more than 25%, with antisemitic vandalism incidents spiking a whopping 51% in the last year. Harassment increased in both Jewish institutions and non-Jewish institutions—including public K-12 schools and colleges—alike.
While it isn’t possible to identify a single cause of the drastic spike in incidents, some trends stood out in the data: The distribution of white supremacist propaganda skyrocketed in part due to the growth of the anti-Semite group Goyim Defense League; incidents at schools and universities rose dramatically; and Orthodox Jews experienced a startlingly high (69%) increase in assaults. Likewise, according to the American Jewish Committee’s State of Antisemitism in America 2022 Survey, 69% of Jewish adults were the target of antisemitism online or have seen it online at least once in the past 12 months.
Geographically, incidents were reported in all states and Washington D.C.. New York—home to the largest Jewish population in the U.S.—led the nation with 580 antisemitic incidents reported in 2022 with California and New Jersey not far behind.
Stacker cited data from the Anti-Defamation League to shed light on the number of antisemitic incidents in every state and Washington D.C. in 2022 and compare it to the number five years ago. States are listed in alphabetical order.
Emma Rubin // Stacker
US total
Bar chart showing the number of antisemitic incidents by year from 2018 to 2022
Hate crime data collected by the Federal Bureau of Investigations indicate that American Jews are targeted more in hate crimes than any other religious group in the country. White supremacist propaganda—in particular, the Great Replacement theory, which played a role in the fatal events of the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia—is at least in part responsible for the several-year upswing in incidents recorded by the ADL. According to this theory, Jews are leading the effort to promote mass immigration and intermarriage in order to achieve “white extinction.” The Great Replacement theory has been cited in other events in recent years, including the Tree of Life mass shooting in Pittsburgh and other mass shootings both in the U.S. and abroad.
Canva
Alabama
The Mobile skyline as seen at dusk.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 28 (211.1% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 27 (440.0% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 1 (75.0% decrease from 2018)
– Jewish population: 0.2%
Marc Cappelletti // Shutterstock
Alaska
Boats and buildings in Sitka.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 3 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 2 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Vandalism: 1 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
– Jewish population: 0.7%
Brandon Burris // Shutterstock
Arizona
A highway leading into downtown Phoenix.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 53 (65.6% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 1 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 35 (75.0% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 17 (41.7% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 1.7%
Trong Nguyen // Shutterstock
Arkansas
A scenic suburb in Ozark.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 7 (133.3% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 6 (200.0% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 1 (No change from 2018)
– Jewish population: 0.1%
Canva
California
A road leading into Silicon Valley.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 518 (51.9% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 13 (44.4% increase from 2018)
— Harassment: 327 (34.0% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 178 (102.3% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 3.1%
Canva
Colorado
An aerial view of downtown Denver on a sunny day.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 71 (82.1% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 1 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 50 (78.6% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 20 (81.8% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 1.7%
James Kirkikis // Shutterstock
Connecticut
A sailboat moored in front of a luxury waterfront estate in Greenwich.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 68 (74.4% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (100.0% decrease from 2018)
— Harassment: 55 (189.5% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 13 (31.6% decrease from 2018)
– Jewish population: 3.3%
Real Window Creative // Shutterstock
Delaware
An aerial view of downtown Wilmington.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 11 (450.0% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 6 (500.0% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 5 (400.0% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 1.5%
FotosForTheFuture // Shutterstock
Florida
An aerial view of Boca Raton’s coastline.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 269 (253.9% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 1 (No change from 2018)
— Harassment: 214 (345.8% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 54 (100.0% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 3.1%
ESB Professional // Shutterstock
Georgia
A view of Atlanta’s skyline from Lake Meer in Piedmont Park.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 80 (166.7% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (100.0% decrease from 2018)
— Harassment: 70 (180.0% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 10 (150.0% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 1.3%
Canva
Hawaii
The coastline and luxury hotels and apartments in Honolulu.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 5 (400.0% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 4 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Vandalism: 1 (No change from 2018)
– Jewish population: 0.5%
Canva
Idaho
Cars driving down Capitol Boulevard in Boise.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 8 (60.0% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 4 (33.3% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 4 (100.0% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 0.1%
DiegoMariottini // Shutterstock
Illinois
Skyscrapers and Lake Michigan in Chicago.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 121 (137.3% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 1 (No change from 2018)
— Harassment: 74 (138.7% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 46 (142.1% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 2.5%
Canva
Indiana
Soybean fields in Indiana at sunset.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 33 (120.0% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 27 (350.0% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 6 (33.3% decrease from 2018)
– Jewish population: 0.4%
Canva
Iowa
An aerial view of Iowa City on a sunny day.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 14 (No change from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 9 (25.0% decrease from 2018)
— Vandalism: 5 (150.0% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 0.2%
Canva
Kansas
A night view of buildings along a river in Wichita.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 9 (200.0% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 5 (150.0% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 4 (300.0% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 0.6%
Canva
Kentucky
Downtown Louisville as seen at night.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 16 (700.0% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 13 (1,200.0% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 3 (200.0% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 0.4%
Canva
Louisiana
New Orleans near the water at dusk.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 14 (16.7% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 13 (160.0% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 1 (85.7% decrease from 2018)
– Jewish population: 0.3%
Canva
Maine
The waterfront with ferry’s docked in Portland.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 13 (44.4% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 6 (20.0% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 7 (75.0% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 0.9%
eurobanks // Shutterstock
Maryland
Pedestrians strolling on a boardwalk in Ocean City.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 109 (179.5% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 3 (200.0% increase from 2018)
— Harassment: 63 (96.9% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 43 (616.7% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 3.9%
Canva
Massachusetts
An aerial view of downtown Boston at dusk.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 152 (5.6% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 4 (33.3% increase from 2018)
— Harassment: 66 (11.9% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 82 (No change from 2018)
– Jewish population: 4.3%
Canva
Michigan
An aerial view of downtown Deroit at dusk.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 111 (428.6% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 1 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 93 (615.4% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 17 (112.5% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 0.9%
Canva
Minnesota
The downtown Minneapolis skyline as seen at night.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 53 (89.3% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 31 (24.0% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 22 (633.3% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 1.2%
Canva
Mississippi
A parking garage and buildings in downtown Jackson.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 7 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 6 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Vandalism: 1 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
– Jewish population: 0.1%
Paul Brady Photography // Shutterstock
Missouri
The St. Louis Gateway Arch in Missouri.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 30 (275.0% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 23 (1,050.0% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 7 (16.7% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 1.1%
Canva
Montana
Buildings in Billings with scenic hills in the background.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 14 (250.0% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 7 (250.0% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 7 (250.0% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 0.1%
Canva
Nebraska
Train tracks as seen outside Omaha at night.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 14 (22.2% decrease from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 7 (58.8% decrease from 2018)
— Vandalism: 7 (600.0% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 0.5%
Jacob Boomsma // Shutterstock
Nevada
An aerial View of Carson City.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 30 (150.0% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 22 (450.0% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 8 (No change from 2018)
– Jewish population: 2.6%
Canva
New Hampshire
The skyline in downtown Manchester at dusk.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 14 (40.0% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 7 (22.2% decrease from 2018)
— Vandalism: 7 (600.0% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 0.7%
f11photo // Shutterstock
New Jersey
An aerial view of Jersey City at sunset.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 408 (104.0% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 9 (350.0% increase from 2018)
— Harassment: 244 (159.6% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 155 (49.0% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 6.7%
turtix // Shutterstock
New Mexico
Residential suburbs in Albuquerque.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 8 (No change from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 4 (20.0% decrease from 2018)
— Vandalism: 4 (33.3% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 0.6%
GagliardiPhotography // Shutterstock
New York
A cityscape view of Lower Manhattan in New York CIty.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 580 (70.6% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 72 (323.5% increase from 2018)
— Harassment: 240 (116.2% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 268 (26.4% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 8.8%
Canva
North Carolina
An aerial view of Charlotte on a sunny day.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 39 (14.7% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 1 (No change from 2018)
— Harassment: 28 (16.7% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 10 (11.1% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 0.5%
Canva
North Dakota
Buildings in Fargo as seen at night.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 6 (20.0% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 2 (50.0% decrease from 2018)
— Vandalism: 4 (300.0% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 0.1%
Canva
Ohio
The river leading into Columbus at night.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 61 (96.8% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 43 (152.9% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 18 (28.6% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 1.3%
TLF Images // Shutterstock
Oklahoma
Buildings along US Route 66 in Oklahoma.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 11 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 8 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Vandalism: 3 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
– Jewish population: 0.1%
Canva
Oregon
Portland at sunset with a mountain in the background.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 40 (471.4% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 2 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 22 (1,000.0% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 16 (220.0% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 1.0%
Sean Pavone // Shutterstock
Pennsylvania
The Pittsburgh skyline as viewed from the hills.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 114 (28.1% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (100.0% decrease from 2018)
— Harassment: 85 (70.0% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 29 (21.6% decrease from 2018)
– Jewish population: 3.3%
Ramunas Bruzas // Shutterstock
Rhode Island
Building, boats, and docks at old harbor in Newport.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 19 (280.0% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 14 (366.7% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 5 (150.0% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 1.7%
PQK // Shutterstock
South Carolina
The scenic river view and waterfront houses in North Myrtle Beach.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 44 (633.3% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 36 (500.0% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 8 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
– Jewish population: 0.3%
Hank Shiffman // Shutterstock
South Dakota
The western suburbs of Rapid City.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 3 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 2 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Vandalism: 1 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
– Jewish population: 0.0%
Nolichuckyjake // Shutterstock
Tennessee
Cars parked along the street in Johnson City.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 40 (300.0% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 27 (237.5% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 13 (550.0% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 0.3%
Roschetzky Photography // Shutterstock
Texas
An aerial view of Austin and Lady Bird Lake.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 211 (427.5% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 2 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 121 (332.1% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 88 (633.3% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 0.6%
Canva
Utah
Downtown Ogden as seen at night.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 11 (10.0% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 6 (25.0% decrease from 2018)
— Vandalism: 5 (150.0% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 0.2%
Canva
Vermont
Buildings lining a street in downtown Burlington.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 6 (14.3% decrease from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 3 (200.0% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 3 (50.0% decrease from 2018)
– Jewish population: 1.2%
Canva
Virginia
The skyline of Richmond at sunset.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 69 (122.6% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 50 (150.0% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 19 (72.7% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 1.7%
Canva
Washington
An aerial view of Seattle with the Space Needle in the foreground.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 65 (103.1% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 28 (75.0% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 37 (131.3% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 1.0%
Sean Pavone // Shutterstock
Washington D.C.
The Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 37 (15.6% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 24 (14.3% decrease from 2018)
— Vandalism: 13 (225.0% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 8.3%
Canva
West Virginia
An aerial view of downtown Charleston at sunset.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 3 (50.0% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 2 (No change from 2018)
— Vandalism: 1 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
– Jewish population: 0.1%
Canva
Wisconsin
Madison as viewed from across the water on a bright, sunny day.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 45 (104.5% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 35 (94.4% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 10 (150.0% increase from 2018)
– Jewish population: 0.6%
Canva
Wyoming
Buildings in Casper as seen at night.
– Antisemitic incidents in 2022: 2 (100.0% increase from 2018)
— Assault: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
— Harassment: 2 (100.0% increase from 2018)
— Vandalism: 0 (No incidents in 2018 to compare)
– Jewish population: 0.2%
Data reporting by Emma Rubin. Story editing by Esprit Smith. Photo selection by Abigail Renaud
