Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) strongly condemns the horrifying massacre in Sydney, Australia that left 15 people dead, and other violent attacks reported around the world during Hanukkah celebrations yesterday.
These acts represent a disturbing escalation of antisemitic violence and hatred that demands global attention and collective action. In 2024, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported a total of 9,354 antisemitic incidents in the United States. That’s its highest number since it began tracking antisemitism incidents in 1979. In the past five years, ADL has seen antisemitism incidents increase by 344%.
"These antisemitic attacks are not isolated incidents," said PHRC Commission Chair Joel Bolstein. "They are part of a broader and deeply troubling pattern of antisemitism that continues to threaten the safety and dignity of Jewish people worldwide, including here in the Commonwealth which not long ago experienced the murder of eleven Jewish worshippers at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Hanukkah is meant to be a celebration of perseverance and faith in which we embrace light over darkness. Violence directed at individuals and families during any religious observance is an affront to those values and to our shared humanity. I urge all Pennsylvanians to continue speaking out forcefully against hate and protect one another. Anyone experiencing antisemitism is encouraged to contact PHRC which will investigate and take action against the perpetrators."
PHRC urges heightened awareness and proactive engagement from community leaders, institutions, and the public to ensure that houses of worship, cultural gatherings, and public spaces remain safe. PHRC encourages houses of worship and community organizations to coordinate with local law enforcement and municipal officials to review safety plans and ensure appropriate protections during religious observances and public gatherings.
“The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission stands in solidarity with Jewish communities around the world and with all those impacted by hate-fueled violence,” said PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter. “History shows us that hate does not prevail when people stand together. At a time when antisemitism and other forms of hate are rising across the globe, we must recommit ourselves to building a beloved community rooted in dignity, respect, and nonviolence. Peace is not passive. Peace requires courage, accountability, and collective responsibility.
PHRC reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring hate-related incidents, supporting impacted communities, and advancing policies that confront discrimination in all its forms.
“Violence motivated by religious or ethnic hatred undermines the fundamental principles of civil and human rights,” said Alana Burman, PHRC Director of Policy, Intergovernmental Affairs, and Mediation. “Our response must be both immediate and sustained. PHRC will continue to support policies and law that address bias-driven violence. Safety and belonging are not privileges. They are rights.”
PHRC encourages anyone who experiences or witnesses acts of discrimination or hate to report them and seek support. If there is an immediate threat or emergency, call 911 and contact local law enforcement. If you are the victim of a hate crime, such as assault or property damage, contact your local police department or the Pennsylvania State Police.
The PHRC does not charge or investigate hate crimes or criminal offenses. However, the PHRC can help determine if an act of hate also violates the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA). Individuals may file a complaint or report a bias incident by visiting www.pa.gov/PHRC or by calling 717-787-4410. The PHRC Civil Rights Outreach Division is also available to provides complex facilitation and conflict resolution services. If you report an incident and it does not lead to an investigation, you may still be able to receive support from the Civil Rights Outreach Division, which specializes in building customized community response plans. Additionally, PHRC tracks incidents reported to it and informs the Pennsylvania Interagency Task Force on Community Activities and Relations, which is a group of state agencies that:
- work to prevent and respond to civil tension and violence arising from conflicts between ethnic or cultural groups and when there are public expressions of bias or hate.
- quickly and appropriately address civil tension when conflicts occur.
- promote positive community relations among various groups to prevent tension.
About the PHRC:
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination and promote equal opportunity for all people. The PHRC investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. Anyone who has experienced discrimination is urged to file a complaint by calling 717-787-4410. Information and resources are also available on the PHRC website. Follow the PHRC on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
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