West Orange, NJ, March 24, 2008 ... The number of anti-Semitic incidents in New Jersey increased slightly in 2007, according to newly issued statistics from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

The League's annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents counted a total of 247 incidents in 2007 in New Jersey, contrasted with 244 in 2006, representing a slight increase in the number of incidents.

The 247 incidents included 172 incidents of vandalism and 75 incidents of harassment.  New Jersey ranks second in the nation in anti-Semitic incidents, behind only New York State.

ADL's Audit counted a total of 1,460 incidents of vandalism, harassment and other acts of hate across the United States in 2007, representing a 6% percent decline from the 1,554 incidents reported in 2006.

"It is reassuring to see the decline in incidents nationally," said Etzion Neuer, ADL New Jersey Regional Director.  "However, we are troubled by the increase in New Jersey, however slight, because it reverses a downward trend that we observed over the past two years."  Lawrence Cooper, ADL New Jersey Regional Board Chair, added: Our numbers serve as a reminder that we cannot afford complacency in our struggle against anti-Semitism.  We must redouble our efforts with Jewish communal leadership and institutions for increased vigilance even as we continue to assist and educate law enforcement to effectively combat hatred directed against Jews."

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 Mercer County cornfield.

The 2007 Audit comprises data 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.