Antisemitic incidents on the rise in New England, Jewish leaders say

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Jewish leaders in Rhode Island are citing a massive spike in antisemitic incidents across New England since the war in Israel sparked three weeks ago.

Hundreds of people packed the streets of Providence on Saturday, Oct, 21, to stand in solidarity with Palestine.

Wendy Joering, Director of the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center, told ABC 6 News that she and the Jewish community in Rhode Island were saddened by the rally.

“Israel was completely blindsided,” Joering said. “People were murdered and raped — Unborn babies were taken from their mother’s bodies and whole families were killed.”

Joering said in the past week, New England has seen a 300% increase in antisemitic incidents. In response, Jewish businesses and organizations are now increasing their security.

“The risk is always there. Now, it’s even more in your face,” Joering added.

Jewish leaders told ABC 6 that the best outcome for all innocent lives is the eradication of Hamas.

“So many people have so many different views, but everybody just wants peace. Israel wants peace, and Palestinian people who don’t support Hamas want peace,” Joering concluded.