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Hate thrives in silence. Society must stand against antisemitism
Florida continues to lead the nation in reported antisemitic incidents, according to the Anti-Defamation League.
Palm Beach County, in particular, has seen a troubling rise in such cases, with 353 incidents reported in 2024, marking a 277% increase since 2020. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for communities to confront and counteract hate in all its forms.
The May 21st shooting outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C. serves as a stark reminder of how unchecked hate can escalate into tragic violence. Closer to home, we've witnessed white supremacists delivering antisemitic rants during public comment at local government meetings, accompanied by hate group salutes. Such incidents, once considered fringe, are becoming disturbingly commonplace in public forums.
In Delray Beach, we took decisive action by updating our civility rules to make it unequivocally clear: hate speech has no place in our chambers. Working alongside the city attorney and fellow commissioners, I helped lead this initiative, drawing on insights gained as an alumnus of the ADL's Glass Leadership Institute — a program that prepares emerging leaders to confront antisemitism and defend civil rights. The revised policy empowers our mayor to interrupt and remove individuals who use public comment to spread bigotry or intimidation.
Our annual Grand Chanukah Festival has become a beloved tradition in Delray Beach, reflecting our city's proud embrace of diversity and Jewish heritage. But even as the celebration has grown, so too has the need for heightened security—an unsettling reminder of the ongoing threats our Jewish community faces. Whether in celebration or crisis, the Jewish community can always count on me to be a steadfast ally and advocate.
As elected officials, we have a responsibility to stand firmly against antisemitism and all forms of hate. This means not only condemning such acts but also implementing policies that protect and uplift all members of our community. By fostering an environment of respect and understanding, we can ensure that Delray Beach remains a place where everyone feels safe and valued.
Hate thrives in silence. It's incumbent upon each of us to speak out, take action, and uphold the principles of dignity and equality that define our community.
Rob Long is vice mayor of the city of Delray Beach.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Rise in antisemitism needs a strong response from all Americans | Opinion
