CHERRY HILL, NJ – Today, Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) hosted a roundtable discussion with Jewish community and faith leaders and local law enforcement officials focused on combatting the rise of antisemitism and violence against Jews in South Jersey and across the United States.

According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), reported incidents of antisemitic harassment, vandalism, and assault have increased by 388% following the October 7 attack on Israel compared to the same period last year. The ADL also found that out of 312 antisemitic incidents between October 7-23, 2023, 190 were directly linked to the war in Israel and Gaza.

“Unfortunately, some people have justified the horrific slaughter of more than 1,400 Israelis by Hamas to justify antisemitism and hatred against Jewish people in South Jersey and the United States. Since the October 7^th attack, we have seen a significant rise in disturbing antisemitism incidents across the United States and around the world,” Rep. Norcross said. “Enough is enough. That’s why I brought together faith leaders, community leaders, and law enforcement officials today to discuss ways we can combat hatred and better support people in South Jersey. Everyone, including our Jewish brothers and sisters, deserves to be safe and secure in our communities, and it begins with being forceful and unequivocal in calling out hatred and antisemitism. Our country and our community’s strength are our diversity of people and ideas and now more than ever we have to work together as one to stand up and protect against antisemitism and bigotry in all shapes and forms. I will continue to work across all levels of government to ensure that South Jersey remains a safe and inclusive place for all.”

The roundtable brought together local law enforcement, elected officials, and community leaders to share stories from the community about the rise in antisemitism and focus on strategies and solutions to combat hatred and bigotry throughout South Jersey.

“My sincere thanks to Congressman Norcross for bringing this esteemed group together and for working alongside the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey and our family of agencies, our Jewish community’s leaders and law enforcement to keep our community safe,” said Jennifer Dubrow Weiss, CEO, Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey. “We are committed to continued collaboration and combatting antisemitism and hate in all forms.”

Rep. Norcross was joined by Jennifer Dubrow Weiss, CEO Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, David Fleisher, Council President Cherry Hill Township, Susan Shinn-Angulo, Mayor, Cherry Hill Township, Robert Kempf, Cherry Hill Police Chief, Walt Miller, Evesham Police Chief, Camden County Commissioner Jeff Nash, Executive Director, JFed Security LLC Bud Monaghan, Rabbi Yisroel Tzvi Serebrowski, Torah Links Minyan, Rabbi Bryan Wexler, Temple Beth Sholom, Rabbi David Englander, Beth El, Tim Chatten, Camden County, First Assistant Prosecutor, David Deitz, Camden County, Section Chief of Major Crimes, Oded Kraus, Executive Director, JCC, and Raechel Hammer, Executive Director, Jewish family & Children’s service of Southern New Jersey.

For pictures from the roundtable and press conference, click here.

###