Wendy Sherman: “Over the last 5 years, we have seen a 40 percent increase in anti-Semitic hate crimes. Most are lone wolf property…”

“Over the last 5 years, we have seen a 40 percent increase in anti-Semitic hate crimes. Most are lone wolf property crimes, late at night. But last night in Los Angeles, we saw something new: organized violence. A small caravan of SUVs, waving Palestinian flags, drove to a significantly Jewish neighborhood. Dozens of men, wearing all black, with faces covered, disembarked at a restaurant, chanting ``death to the Jews.'' They demanded that diners either answer the question: ``Are you Jewish?'' And if they answered ``yes'' or they objected to the question, they were beaten, some sent to the hospital. Nearby, an Orthodox Jew, dressed distinctively, was chased down by a caravan waving Palestinian flags. He ran for his life, and thank God, he found safety. The Los Angeles Police Department will investigate these hate crimes. I also ask that those who criticize the Israeli Government to avoid rhetoric which will infuse these anti-Semites with the view that they are somehow part of the American mainstream. ____________________”