Rising Hate Crimes in New Jersey: Understanding the Complexities of Fear and Resilience
Lakshmi Garg
Introduction
In recent years, New Jersey has witnessed a troubling surge in hate crimes and bias incidents, targeting communities of color, Jewish individuals, and Asian Americans. This rise is not just a statistical anomaly but a reflection of deepening societal divides, political rhetoric, and the lingering scars of the pandemic. As advocates, experts, and affected individuals speak out, the conversation around hate crimes has become urgent—and complex.
The Pandemic’s Shadow: Fueling Hate and Division
The COVID-19 pandemic, while a global crisis, created fertile ground for hate to flourish. In New Jersey, anti-Asian hate incidents spiked by 87% between 2020 and 2021, with the term “Chinese virus” amplifying xenophobia. Heidi Woo, a mother of two, recounted a harrowing experience during the pandemic: a white man splashed coffee on her car windshield, a gesture she described as an “anti-Asian attack.” Such incidents, though often underreported, underscored how fear and misinformation can escalate into violence.
The pandemic’s social and psychological upheaval, as noted by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, “broke open existing divisions,” exploiting vulnerabilities in a time of uncertainty. While the immediate surge in hate crimes has subsided, the long-term impact of these divisions remains a concern.
Anti-Black Hate: A Historical and Contemporary Crisis
Anti-Black hate crimes have seen a sharp rise, peaking in 2020 amid the Black Lives Matter movement. That year, Black bias incidents in New Jersey surged by 85%, from 371 to 686, according to state data. Yannick Wood of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice warns that this trend reflects both heightened awareness and systemic racism.
Nationwide, Black hate crimes reached their highest level in 1996, then dipped before surging again in 2020. The rise has continued, with 996 Black bias incidents reported in 2022. Advocates argue that while increased reporting may explain some of the data, the underlying issue—racism—remains unaddressed.
Antisemitism: A Rising Threat in a Divided World
Antisemitic incidents in New Jersey have also reached historic highs. In 2022, reported bias incidents against Jewish people in the state rose 50%, from 298 to 446. Mordechai Burnstein, a rabbi and educator, described witnessing a teenager hurl anti-Semitic slurs at him, a moment that epitomizes the growing hostility.
The rise is linked to broader global tensions, particularly the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has seen a nearly 400% increase in antisemitic incidents in the U.S. Burnstein notes that the Orthodox community in Lakewood and surrounding areas is on high alert, highlighting how geopolitical events can ripple into local communities.
Community Responses: Education, Advocacy, and Vigilance
Despite the challenges, New Jersey communities are fighting back. Advocacy groups like the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Montclair and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) are working to educate and empower. Burnstein’s participation in hate crime education programs illustrates how awareness can turn fear into action.
However, the fight against hate requires more than awareness. As Yannick Wood emphasizes, “We must stem the tide of hate” by addressing systemic inequities and fostering empathy. For many, this means not only reporting incidents but also dismantling the ideologies that fuel them.
Conclusion: A Call for Collective Action
The rise in hate crimes in New Jersey is a stark reminder of the fragility of social cohesion. While the pandemic’s immediate impact may be waning, its legacy of division persists. Addressing this crisis demands a multifaceted approach: stronger policies to protect marginalized communities, education to combat prejudice, and a commitment to equity at all levels of society.
As Ken Serrano, the reporter behind this story, notes, the fight against hate is ongoing. It requires vigilance, courage, and a collective refusal to let fear define our future. In the words of Mordechai Burnstein: “Everyone is looking over their shoulder.” But in the face of such fear, New Jersey’s communities are proving that resilience and solidarity can prevail.
Further Resources
This blog post draws on reporting from the New Jersey Monitor and insights from experts, advocates, and affected individuals. For more information, visit the Anti-Defamation League, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, and AAPI Montclair.