Anti-Jewish incidents have quadrupled since 2015 in Colorado, ADL reports

Twice as many anti-Semitic incidents were reported in Colorado in the first nine months of this year compared to the same period of 2016.

(Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

staff photo

Twice as many anti-Semitic incidents were reported in Colorado in the first nine months of this year compared to the same period of 2016, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

In all, 46 incidents were reported, including 24 cases of harassment and threats, 21 cases of vandalism and one physical assault on a Jewish person.

Last year, the total number of incidents was 23 for the same time period. In 2015, the number was about half that.

This year’s incidents in Colorado included swastika graffiti on a home in Aurora in June and at a temple in Colorado Springs in August.

Nationwide, the number of anti-Semitic incidents was up 67 percent, per ADL. The national trend was strongest in the first quarter of the year, but hateful events spiked again around the time of the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Va.

“Anti-Semitism is often a bellwether for hate in a community. We know that the Jewish community is not alone in experiencing a significant increase in hate incidents and hate crimes. Refugees, immigrants, Muslims, LGBTQ individuals, Latinos and African Americans are also experiencing increased incidents of hate,” regional ADL director Scott Levin said in a news release.

Weird times

Denverite is powered by you. In these weird times, the local vigilance, the local context, the local flavor — it’s powered through your donations. If you’d miss Denverite if it disappeared tomorrow, donate today.

You’re our superpower

Denverite supporters have made the decision to financially support local journalism that matters to you. Ready to tell your networks why? Sharing our “About” page with your own personal comments could really help us out.

You’re our superpower

Denverite members have made the decision to financially support local journalism that matters to you. Ready to tell your networks why? Sharing our “About” page with your own personal comments could really help us out.