NBC Chicago: Chicago organization reports record-high antisemitic incidents in 2023
A newly released report shows hate and violence against Jewish people nationwide reached a new record in 2023.
The Secure Community Network in Chicago tracks and reports threats against Jewish communities across the country.
“Vandalization and harassment, threats of mass attacks and shootings, and certainly a dramatic increase in swatting incidents and bomb threats directed at Jewish institutions,” said Michael Masters, CEO of the Secure Community Network.
The Secure Community Network said antisemitic incidents nationwide have more than doubled from 2,551 in 2022 to 5,404 in 2023 and most of those happened after the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack in Israel.
“Part of the increase we know is because we are getting much more diligent as a community in reporting,” said Masters. “But there is no question there has been a dramatic increase in threats.”
Masters also just joined the FBI Terrorism Task Force Executive Board in Chicago.
“We’re often seeing threats that are connected domestically and often internationally,” Masters said. “We’re coordinating very closely with state, local, and federal law enforcement.”
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