Just last week ADL released the results of our recent Survey on Jewish Americans’ Experiences with Antisemitism. The survey reveals the anxiety and fear of an American Jewish community that has faced deadly attacks on homes, community centers and synagogues, desecration of Jewish cemeteries, bomb threats, and white supremacist rallies where Nazi flags were openly waved.

According to the survey, 63% of American Jews feel their communities are less safe than they were a decade ago. More than 50% of those polled are worried about a violent attack or vandalism at a synagogue.

There is no doubt that the antisemitic-fueled shooting at Chabad of Poway only one year ago today, like the Tree of Life Synagogue massacre in Pittsburgh and the Hanukkah stabbing attack in Monsey, has left a lasting mark on the American Jewish psyche, and communities of faith.

In San Diego, that mark is indelible.

In the year since the tragedy, ADL San Diego has further strengthened our partnerships with Jewish agencies and synagogues and begun deeper conversations with other communities impacted by rising tides of hate. We have also reaffirmed our commitment to the security of our local Jewish community, and we are continuing to respond 24/7 to reports of antisemitism, even during stay-at-home orders.

However, there is also a fear that lingers for many in the San Diego Jewish community, which is sadly not unfounded. As our city practices social distancing, like cities across the country, we still see daily reminders that hate is growing. ADL knows that when times are uncertain and troubled, Jews often become the scapegoat and targets of anger. This rings true today, as our country grapples with a deadly pandemic.

In just the last two weeks, synagogues around the country have been vandalized with disgusting hate speech and swastikas. “Zoombombing” has allowed people to hurl slurs and derogatory antisemitic, racist, and homophobic words into online videoconferences. Rallies in protest of stay-at-home orders have been peppered with swastika flags and posters referencing Hitler.

Certainly, there are many enduring lessons from the tragedy at Chabad of Poway, including the stark reminder that antisemitism continues to threaten our communities.

We must use this moment to recommit ourselves to confronting antisemitism and hate head-on, and we must not accept as normal the fear that so many of us feel today.

To honor the memory of Lori Kaye and all the victims of antisemitism throughout the world, we must continue our work of fighting hate for good!

Sincerely,
Tammy Gillies
San Diego Regional Director
ADL