Philadelphia, PA, March 5, 2008 … The number of anti-Semitic incidents in Pennsylvania increased slightly in 2007, according to newly issued statistics from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

The League's annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents, issued today, counted a total of 99 incidents in 2007 in Pennsylvania, contrasted with 94 in 2006, representing a slight increase in the number of incidents.

The swastika was predominant in a large number of incidents and remained the symbol of choice for anti-Semites, according to the ADL Audit.  The Nazi symbol, one of the most powerful and enduring emblems of religious and ethnic hatred, was present in hundreds of attacks against buildings, synagogues, cemeteries and private homes.  In one of the most noteworthy instances, a massive swastika the size of a football field was carved into a New Jersey cornfield.

The ADL Audit counted a total of 1,357 incidents of vandalism, harassment and other acts of hate across the United States in 2007, representing a 13 percent decline from the 1,554 incidents reported in 2006.

"We are pleased that the number of incidents have declined nationally for three years in a row," said Barry Morrison, ADL Eastern Pennsylvania-Delaware Regional Director.  "At the same time, there is little encouraging news locally as the number of incidents have remained virtually the same over the last three years.  Although there was a decrease in the number of acts of harassment in 2007, there was a significant increase in the numbers of acts of vandalism, jumping from 26 to 44.  This tells us that efforts have to be stepped up to better protect Jewish institutions and Jewish property, if not public property, from those who would express a disdain for Jews."

Anti-Semitic acts last crested in the U.S. in 2004, when 1,821 incidents were reported, according to the ADL Audit.  In 2005, the total number of incidents decreased to 1,757 incidents.

"As always," said Morrison, "we cannot afford to be complacent."  "The cup is neither half full nor half empty.  There is both encouraging news and discouraging news.  Our efforts will continue and reinforce as we work with the Jewish community to make its leaders and institutions more aware of the need to protect themselves against those who would harm them, and continue to assist and educate law enforcement to effectively combat hatred directed against Jews." 

The 2007 Audit comprises data from 40 states and the District of Columbia, including official crime statistics as well as information provided to ADL's regional offices by victims, law enforcement officers and community leaders.  The Audit identifies criminal acts, such as vandalism, violence and threats of violence, as well as non-criminal incidents of harassment and intimidation, including hate propaganda, leafleting and verbal slurs.

For reporting purposes, the Audit divides anti-Semitic incidents into two categories: Vandalism, such as property damage, cemetery desecration or anti-Semitic graffiti; and Harassment, including physical or verbal assaults directed at individuals or institutions.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.