Israel-Hamas War Sparks Increased Incidents of Antisemitism, Islamophobia

February 22, 2024
Hall Benefits Law, LLC

Since the Israel-Hamas war broke out on October 7th, incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia in the United States have increased dramatically. According to the Anti-Defamation League (“the ADL”), the number of antisemitic incidents has increased 337% since October 7th, which is the highest number in any two months since the ADL began tracking these incidents in 1979. Between October 7th and December 7th, the ADL recorded 2,031 incidents, which equates to more than 34 incidents per day over the last 61 days. During the same period in 2022, the ADL reported 465 incidents. 

Likewise, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (“CAIR”) received 2,171 complaints during roughly the same period, representing a 172% increase over the same period in 2022. First Amendment issues topped the list of complaints (33.94%), followed by employment (22.38%), hate crime and speech (16.97%), and education and bullying (14.08%). CAIR characterizes the current wave of anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States as “the worst in three decades.”

The U.S. is not the only country experiencing significant increases in antisemitic and anti-Muslim incidents and rhetoric. Reuters has reported these incidents occurring in many countries on six out of seven continents. 

CAIR and the ADL continue to call for the White House to take a stand against the violence occurring in the Israel-Hamas war, as well as the protection of the civilians in Gaza. Meanwhile, in the United States, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued recommendations for the security of Jewish and Muslim houses of worship and community centers. College campuses are taking measures to emphasize inclusion for all, as well as protect and ensure security for both Jewish and Muslim students after protests by both factions have led to violence and arrests. However, discerning between legitimate political criticism that constitutes protected speech and actual threats and intimidation directed toward an ethnic or faith-based community is not always as straightforward as it might seem.

HBL has experience in all areas of benefits and employment law, offering a comprehensive solution to all your business benefits and HR/employment needs. We help ensure you are in compliance with the complex requirements of ERISA and the IRS code, as well as those laws that impact you and your employees. Together, we reduce your exposure to potential legal or financial penalties. Learn more by calling 470-571-1007.

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Hall Benefits Law, LLC

HBL offers employers comprehensive legal guidance on benefits in mergers and acquisitions, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), executive compensation, health and welfare benefits, healthcare reform, and retirement plans. We counsel a wide spectrum of clients including small, mid-sized, and large companies, 401(k) investment advisors, health insurance brokers, accountants, attorneys, and HR consultants, just to name a few. HBL is passionate about advising clients, and we are dedicated to our mission: to provide comprehensive, personalized, and practical ERISA and benefits legal solutions that exceed client expectations.

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