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ADL report shows surge in antisemitic incidents in Ohio and nation in 2021

On the "Sound of Ideas," we learn why we are continuing to see an increase in antisemitic incidents in Ohio. [NeydtStock/shutterstock]
On the "Sound of Ideas," we learn why we are continuing to see an increase in antisemitic incidents in Ohio. [NeydtStock/shutterstock]

Just two weeks ago, the news source The Portager reported that antisemitic flyers were being distributed in the Portage County towns of Kent and Garrettsville, with big letters the read, "Every single aspect of the Biden Administration is Jewish."

It falsely alleged that everyone on the president's cabinet is Jewish. The back of the flyer claimed that six "Jewish corporations" own 96 percent of the nation's media, another false and antisemitic claim. 

That incident happened in the last two weeks, but a new report from the Anti-Defamation League shows that anti-semitic acts hit record highs in both Ohio, and the nation, during 2021. 

The ADL recorded 50 antisemetic incidents in Ohio last year, topping 2020's then-record of 43 incidents. Nationally, there were a total of more than 2,700 incidents in 2021, a 34 percent increase from the year before. 

Joining the "Sound of Ideas" to help explain why we are continuing to see an increase in these attacks, is ADL Regional Director James Pasch.

Also this hour, we discuss the important statewide races on the ballot this Election Day, including the primaries for Ohio Governor and US Senator.

And, the Cleveland Council on World Affairs is honoring its 2022 Global Impact Award winner this week: the National Geographic Society. We'll meet its CEO and learn more about its mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.

-Nick Castele, Senior Reporter, Ideastream Public Media
-James Pasch, Regional Director, Anti-Defamation League 
-Dr. Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO, National Geographic Society 

Rachel is the supervising producer for Ideastream Public Media’s morning public affairs show, the “Sound of Ideas.”