UNC-Chapel Hill conference addressing rise of antisemitism

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- A conference at UNC-Chapel Hill is discussing the rise of antisemitism.

Hillel International's the world's largest Jewish campus organization, serving 850 campuses.

Organizers shared vital information with administrators from 40 campuses and some students, inside the Friday Center.

Scenes from a video screened this morning show many reasons for concern about incidents of antisemitism, on college campuses and the larger community.

"We want to be on the front line in addressing it. Helping to solve the grand challenges of our time and this is one of those. I'm really proud of the work we've done through the Carolina Center for Jewish Studies, a program that's been in existence here for 17, 18 years," said UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz.

He was out of town when we reported on the antisemitic messages seen in a Durham neighborhood over the weekend.

According to data from the Anti-Defamation League, there were 39 anti-Semitic incidents reported in North Carolina in 2022. That's up from 30 tracked by the ADL in 2021.

Here's how our local cities break down:

• Raleigh: 7 (up from 4 in 2021)

• Durham: 1 (down from 2 in 2021)

• Chapel Hill: 3 (flat at 3 in 2021)

• Fayetteville: 1 (flat at 1 in 2021)

Raleigh and Charlotte both had 7 incidents this past year.. that's tied for the most statewide in 2022.

Tuesday's participants also heard from students who've faced antisemitism on campuses. The information was shared during morning and afternoon sessions and seminars.

Organizers of the partnership between UNC, North Carolina Hillel, and Hillel International's Campus Climate Initiative want this work to help everyone feel comfortable and safe as they navigate society's remnants of intolerance.