Hate crimes, hate-based incidents and antisemitic attitudes are becoming more prevalent across the U.S., and San Diego has felt the impact.
Local law enforcement agencies say they are prioritizing hate crime cases, and Jewish community centers and synagogues are continuing to ramp up security to keep people safe. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors recently agreed to build a Holocaust remembrance exhibit to combat antisemitic messaging and conspiracy theories centered around Jewish people.
The Anti-Defamation League, a nonprofit that combats the defamation of Jewish people, has been working in San Diego to push back against the rise in hateful extremist beliefs, speech and actions. Here’s what Fabienne Perlov, the ADL’s regional director in San Diego and Imperial counties, shared about the group’s work.
Castellano: Can you give me a brief explanation of what your job is like?
Perlov: Yes. So I am the regional director of the Anti-Defamation League in San Diego and Imperial counties. We combat antisemitism and secure justice and fair treatment for all. We do that through three pillars. We educate, we work in partnerships with schools in San Diego. We have 160 schools that are designated No Place for Hate. That really helps with the school climate and addresses any biases and bigotry. Within our schools, we also investigate and coordinate with law enforcement on extremist groups. And we also advocate for better legislation to combat antisemitism and hate.
Castellano: My understanding is there’s been this rise in antisemitism. What is the impact of that?
Perlov: We have seen a rise of antisemitism over the past years that is very alarming. It’s an increase of about 31% in 2021, and we don’t have the statistics for ‘22. They will come out in March. But I can…
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