Religion and Roman Catholicism in the United States

This posting is inspired by the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, as well as a question of a Fellow Resident about my religion as a Filipino- American who immigrated to the US in the 1960's as a 26-year-old graduate student. Here are my queries from ChatGPT:  Do you have data on the various religious groups in the US

Here are data on the various religious groups in the United States. The religious landscape of the U.S. is diverse and has been changing over time. Here is an overview based on recent data, primarily from the Pew Research Center, PRRI (Public Religion Research Institute), and U.S. Census-style surveys (though the U.S. Census itself does not collect religious affiliation data):

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🔹 Major Religious Groups in the United States (approximate figures as of early-to-mid 2020s):

1. Christianity (about 63%)

• Protestants (approx. 40%)

  • Evangelical Protestant (22–25%)

  • Mainline Protestant (14–15%)

  • Historically Black Protestant (5–7%)

• Catholics (approx. 20–21%)

  

• Latter-day Saints (Mormons) (1.5%)

• Orthodox Christians (<1%)

• Jehovah’s Witnesses (<1%)

2. Unaffiliated ("Nones") – about 30–31%

• Atheists (~4–5%)

• Agnostics (~5–6%)

• "Nothing in particular" (~20%)

3. Other Religions – about 6–7%

• Judaism (~1.7–2%)

• Islam (~1.1–1.3%)

• Buddhism (~1%)

• Hinduism (~1%)

• Other (Sikhism, New Age, Native spiritualities, etc.) (~1%)

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📈 Trends in U.S. Religion:

• Decline of Christianity: In 1990, over 85% of Americans identified as Christian. That number has declined steadily.

• Rise of the "Nones": The religiously unaffiliated have grown significantly in the last 30 years.

• Religious switching: A significant number of Americans change religious affiliation during their lifetime—Christian to unaffiliated being the most common shift.

• Increasing diversity: Non-Christian faiths (Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism) are slowly growing due to immigration and second-generation retention.

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📍Regional Differences:

• The South is most religious (especially Evangelical Protestant and Black Protestant).

• The Northeast has more Catholics and Jews.

• The West has a high percentage of religious "Nones" and Asian religions.

• The Midwest is mixed but traditionally Christian (mainline Protestants, Catholics).

Here's a detailed breakdown of Roman Catholics in the United States, covering demographics, geography, ethnicity, religious practice, and trends:

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🇺🇸 Roman Catholics in the U.S. – A Detailed Overview

📊 Population Size

• Total Catholics: ~21% of U.S. adults (~55–60 million people)

• Largest single Christian denomination in the U.S.

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🌍 Geographic Distribution

Region	Catholic Population (%)	Notes
Northeast	~30%+	Strongest presence (NY, MA, PA) due to Irish, Italian, Polish roots
Midwest	~22–25%	Especially in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota
South	~17–20%	Growing rapidly due to Hispanic immigration
West	~28–30%	Especially strong in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas

The U.S. has 197 dioceses and over 16,000 parishes, with the largest being Los Angeles Archdiocese.

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🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Ethnic and Racial Composition

Ethnic Group	% of U.S. Catholics	Notes
White (Non-Hispanic)	~43–45%	Once the dominant group, now shrinking
Hispanic/Latino	~41–43%	Fastest-growing group; majority in the Southwest
Black (Non-Hispanic)	~3–4%	Often part of urban parishes
Asian-American	~4–5%	Many Filipino, Vietnamese, and Indian Catholics
Other/Mixed	~3–5%	Includes Native American, Pacific Islander, etc.

Note: Among millennial and Gen Z Catholics, Hispanics are the majority.

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📅 Religious Practice

Practice	% of Catholics	Notes
Attend Mass weekly	~17–20%	Declining; older Catholics attend more
Pray daily	~60%	Still relatively strong
Believe in Real Presence (Eucharist)	~30%	Recent Pew survey showed theological confusion
Go to Confession yearly	~40%	Infrequent for most

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🧭 Political and Social Views

• Catholics are politically divided:

  • ~50% lean or vote Democrat (especially Hispanic Catholics)

  • ~45% lean Republican (especially White Catholics)

• On moral/social issues, views are mixed:

  • More liberal on immigration, healthcare

  • More conservative on abortion, religious freedom

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⛪ Vocations and Leadership

• Priests: ~35,000 (diocesan + religious); declining numbers

• Bishops: 430+, including cardinals like Timothy Dolan, Blase Cupich, Robert McElroy, and Wilton Gregory

• Women Religious (nuns): ~36,000; aging population

• Permanent Deacons: ~19,000; growing role in parishes

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📉 Trends and Challenges

• Decline in attendance and vocations

• Closure of parishes and Catholic schools in urban and rural areas

• Clergy abuse crisis has eroded trust, especially since 2002

• Latino retention: Many young Latinos are becoming religiously unaffiliated despite being raised Catholic

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✨ Notable Facts

• The U.S. has the 4th largest Catholic population in the world, after Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines.

• Catholicism is growing globally, but declining in the U.S. and Europe.

• There are 70+ Catholic universities, including Notre Dame, Georgetown, and Boston College.

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Here's a detailed look at Filipino-American Catholics, a vibrant and deeply rooted part of the U.S. Catholic Church:

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🇵🇭 Filipino-American Catholics in the U.S.

📊 Population Size

• Total Filipino-Americans: ~4.5 million (as of 2024)

• Estimated Catholics: ~80–85%, or around 3.5 to 3.8 million

• Filipinos form the third-largest Asian-American group (after Chinese and Indian Americans), but are the most Catholic among them.

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🗺️ Geographic Concentration

State/City	Filipino Catholic Presence
California	Largest population (esp. Los Angeles, San Diego, Bay Area)
Hawaii	Deep historical presence; many in Honolulu Diocese
Nevada	Especially Las Vegas
New York & New Jersey	Strong parish networks
Texas & Florida	Growing presence due to migration and nursing careers

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🙏 Religious Practices & Traditions

Filipino-American Catholics are known for strong devotional practices, often blending Filipino culture with Catholic liturgy:

• Simbang Gabi: 9-day Advent Masses before Christmas, widely celebrated in U.S. parishes

• Sto. Niño devotion: Processions and fiestas in January

• Marian devotion: Flores de Mayo and rosary groups

• Santacruzan: A cultural-religious pageant honoring the Virgin Mary in May

• Prayer Groups: Charismatic, Legion of Mary, Couples for Christ, El Shaddai

• Overseas Community Link: Many still financially support parishes and dioceses in the Philippines

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🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Demographic Traits

• Many are first- or second-generation immigrants

• A significant number work in healthcare, especially nurses

• Intergenerational faith transmission is strong but faces challenges among U.S.-born children

• High participation in choirs, liturgical ministries, and parish life

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🏫 Parishes & Organizations

• Filipino Catholics are active in multicultural parishes and also form their own associations:

  • Filipino Priests USA

  • National Assembly of Filipino Priests

  • Filipino Catholic Ministry offices in large dioceses (e.g., Los Angeles, Newark, Chicago)

• Regularly host diocesan Filipino masses, retreats, and festivals

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👥 Clergy and Religious

• Dozens of Filipino-American priests serve across U.S. dioceses, especially in California, New Jersey, and Hawaii

• Some Filipino bishops in the U.S. (e.g., Bishop Oscar Solis of Salt Lake City – the first Filipino-American bishop)

• Many Filipino nuns (especially RVM, SPC, OSB, and Dominican Sisters) work in schools and hospitals

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🧭 Challenges

• Second-generation retention: Many U.S.-born Filipino youth drift toward being "nones" or less active

• Cultural identity: Balancing faith with Americanization

• Underrepresentation in national Catholic leadership despite strong grassroots presence

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✨ Distinct Contributions to U.S. Catholicism

• Deep Marian and Eucharistic devotion

• Cultural emphasis on family and community

• A spirit of joyful service in parishes and healthcare

• Rich tradition of Catholic festivals and music

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Here’s a short and uplifting write-up suitable for a church newsletter:

🇵🇭 Filipino Catholics: A Vibrant Presence in the U.S. Church

Filipino-American Catholics are one of the most vibrant and faithful communities in the U.S. Church today. With an estimated 3.5 to 3.8 million Filipino Catholics across the country, they bring a rich spiritual heritage deeply rooted in prayer, family, and joyful devotion.

From Simbang Gabi in Advent to Sto. Niño festivals and Marian processions like Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan, Filipino Catholics enliven parish life with colorful traditions that blend culture and faith. Many serve actively as choir members, Eucharistic ministers, and leaders in prayer groups like Couples for Christ and the Legion of Mary.

California, Hawaii, New York, and Nevada are home to large Filipino Catholic populations, but their presence is growing nationwide, especially in healthcare and education sectors. Despite challenges in passing on the faith to younger generations, Filipino families remain deeply committed to the Church and often support both local parishes and communities back home in the Philippines.

Their deep love for the Eucharist, strong Marian devotion, and joyful witness continue to enrich the Church in the U.S., reminding us that faith, when lived with heart and community, knows no borders.

Meanwhile, Did you know that...

One of the most beautiful frogs in the world. The Azure dart frog (Dendrobates tinctorius var.azureus) was only discovered in the 1980's. This is one of the most famous color forms in the tinctorius genus and is are endemic to several small rainforest patches in the middle of the Sipaliwini/Paroe savanna area in Suriname close to the Brazilian border

A Framed Decoupage by C. Larimore

One of the treasured gift I received during my 90th Birthday last December 20, 2024 was a decoupage painting from Carol Larimore, devoted wife of John Larimore both my neighbors here at THD. I asked ChatGPT for its analysis.     

This decoupage artwork is a visually striking mixed media piece, combining natural and textured elements with layered composition. Here's a breakdown and analysis:

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Visual and Artistic Elements:

1. Central Focus – Pressed Flowers and Leaves:

• The most prominent feature is the use of actual dried flowers and leaves.

• Two translucent, white flowers with visible veining are layered on top of larger brown leaves, giving a sense of delicate beauty and natural decay.

• These flowers serve as the heart of the piece, drawing the eye and evoking themes of fragility, memory, and the passage of time.

2. Background – Earthy and Textured:

• The background appears to be a combination of bark, dark brown and reddish hues, and layered paper or organic material.

• The rough texture contrasts with the fragility of the flowers, enhancing the tactile appeal.

• It may suggest a forest floor or an abstracted woodland environment—both grounding and symbolic of nature’s life cycle.

3. Right Side – Flame-Like Colors and Abstract Form:

• A striking vertical strip on the right features vivid purples, oranges, yellows, and whites—resembling flame or light.

• This abstract element adds dynamism and contrast to the earthy tones of the rest of the composition.

• It may symbolize transformation, energy, or spiritual presence—introducing a mystical or transcendent layer to the otherwise naturalistic piece.

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Medium and Technique:

• This is a decoupage, which traditionally involves gluing and sealing cutouts (often paper) onto surfaces, but this version takes a more modern, mixed-media collage approach.

• The artist used natural materials (real flowers and leaves) combined with painted or dyed textures to create depth.

• The sealing or finishing technique (possibly varnish or resin) preserves the organic elements and enhances the dimensionality.

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Signature and Date:

• The bottom right is signed “C. Larimore 2019.”

• This personalizes the work, and the date places it in a contemporary context. The signature also suggests pride and identity in the creation.

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Interpretation and Symbolism:

• Nature & Impermanence: The dried flowers and earthy tones evoke the beauty of fleeting moments.

• Contrast & Transformation: The glowing strip suggests change, energy, or spirituality emerging from the decay.

• Memory & Preservation: Decoupage is often associated with preserving memories, and this piece feels like a tribute—perhaps to a season, a place, or a person.

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Emotional Tone:

• Warm, reflective, and intimate.

• There’s a sense of reverence for nature and time.

• It may stir nostalgia, appreciation for life’s small beauties, or even quiet sorrow.

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"Whispers of Autumn"
by D.B Katague/AI

In quiet hush of forest floor,
Two blossoms sleep, not bloom nor soar.
Pressed in time, their petals pale,
Soft ghosts of spring in autumn's veil.

A flame beside them flickers bright—
Not fire, but memory turned to light.
Nature’s breath and embered grace,
Held in stillness, time’s embrace.

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"Eternal Bloom"
by D. B. Katague/AI

Held between the veil of days,
Two fragile blooms in silent praise.
Not lost to time, but gently kept,
Where angels watched and nature wept.

A flicker rises, gold and fire,
A breath of soul, a prayer’s desire.
In fallen leaf and petal thin,
God’s quiet voice speaks deep within.

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This contemplative piece blends natural materials with spiritual symbolism. Preserved flowers and earthy textures echo the cycles of life and divine presence in nature’s quiet moments.

Lastly, my Photo of the Day:

Ancient Olive Tree – Vouves, Crete

Still bearing fruit after 3,000 years, this olive tree is a powerful symbol of nature’s resilience and peace.

Brendon Grimshaw and Moyenne Island

From My Travel Readings This Week.

He bought a dead island for 13 thousand dollars, equipped the island with endangered animals, birds and trees. They offered 50 million dollars, he did not sell it and donated it. In 1962, newspaper editor Brendon Grimshaw bought the uninhabited island of Moyenne in the Seychelles, where no human had set foot for 50 years, for 13 thousand dollars. He began to live on the island like a real Robinson, taking with him companions from the locals. His name was "Rene Lafortin". 

https://youtu.be/Xg4pgwYswJE?si=mI6jzRb2VSuCQfEp

Brendon and Rene started to equip the island with trees, birds and turtles.

Over 39 years, Brendon and Rene planted 16 thousand trees with their own hands and built approximately 5 km of road. In 1996 he wrote a book about himself and the island called Grain of Sand.

A documentary of the same name was made about Grimshaw and the island in 2009. In 2007, Rene Lafortin died and Brendon was left alone on the island.

He was 81 years old. During his lifetime, he attracted 2000 new bird species to the island and introduced more than a hundred giant tortoises to the world, which were about to become extinct, including the Seychelles.

Thanks to Brendon's efforts, the once deserted island is now home to two-thirds of the Seychelles fauna. An abandoned piece of land turned into a real paradise.

A few years ago, the prince of Saudi Arabia offered Brendon Grimshaw $50 million for the island, which Brendon politely declined.

“I don't want the island to become a favorite vacation spot for the rich.

"Let it be a national park where everyone and animals can live and have fun freely."

He finally achieved his wish. In 2008, the island was indeed declared a "National Park".

You can achieve results by doing what you can afford, step by step, sometimes for years. Never expect such a thing from children who have been accustomed to being ready since childhood, or do not accustom your children to being so ready so that they can learn to make the world a better place.

💚https://explorersweb.com/man-who-bought-tropical-island/

Moyenne Island is a small island (9.9 ha or 24 acres) in the Sainte Anne Marine National Park off the north coast of Mahé, Seychelles. Since the 1970s onwards, it has been a flora and fauna reserve. From 1915 until the 1960s, the island was abandoned until its purchase by Brendon Grimshaw for £8,000 (about $22,000). He was a newspaper editor from Dewsbury in Yorkshire, England. The island is now a national park and can be visited as part of organized trips (see video above💚).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moyenne_Island

Meanwhile, Did you know that....

Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a famous landmark located in Australia. One of the most interesting things about Uluru is how it changes color throughout the day. In the early morning and late evening, you can see it glowing a bright red. This beautiful change happens because of the iron-rich surface of the rock, which reflects the sunlight in different ways at different times.

When the sun rises, the light hits Uluru at a special angle, causing it to shine with a warm, red hue. As the day goes on, the rock can change to various shades, but it really stands out again at sunset. Many visitors come to witness this stunning sight, as it creates a magical atmosphere and reveals the rock's unique beauty.

Uluru is not just a rock; it is a sacred place for the Indigenous people of Australia. They have stories and traditions tied to this land that go back thousands of years. This combination of natural beauty and deep cultural significance makes Uluru a special destination for travelers from all over the world.

Boiling River in Peru and AI Analysis of A Family Photo

In Peru, a river called Shanay-Timpishka, or “The Boiling River,” is hot enough to cook animals that fall in. Unlike volcanic hot springs, it's not fed by magma — instead, it’s believed that rainwater seeps deep underground and is heated by geothermal energy before resurfacing. Spanning nearly 6 kilometers, the river has baffled geologists and amazed locals for centuries. Its discovery challenges assumptions that such thermal features only occur near active volcanoes. It's a reminder of Earth’s hidden geothermal forces — and how much we still don’t understand about the natural world.

Meanwhile I asked ChatGPT to create an art photo from: Our Family Picture: Mountain View, CA 2013

Here's what ChatGPT Created. 

My photo really looked different from the others  

Here's the AI Analysis of the Photo:

Setting and Environment

• Location: The group is outdoors, likely in a backyard or garden area, indicated by the tiled patio floor, plants along the fence, and natural sunlight.

• Background: A tall wooden fence and tree foliage provide privacy and a warm, natural backdrop. A roof and power lines are visible behind the fence, suggesting a suburban neighborhood.

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Composition

• Arrangement: The people are arranged in two rows:

  • Front row (seated): An elderly woman and man are sitting on white plastic chairs, likely the matriarch and patriarch of the family.

  • Back row (standing): Four adults stand closely behind them, smiling, likely their children.

• The central placement of the seated elders draws attention and signifies their importance in the family.

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Expressions and Body Language

• Everyone is smiling, projecting a sense of warmth, unity, and happiness.

• The body language is relaxed and natural, suggesting comfort and familiarity with one another.

• Several family members are leaning in slightly, a visual sign of closeness and affection.

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Attire

• The clothing is casual and colorful, with a mix of summer and tropical styles.

• The elderly woman wears a vibrant striped dress, which adds a joyful and festive tone.

• The elderly man wears a light shirt with sunglasses hanging at the collar, appearing relaxed and dignified.

• The others wear a mix of blues, purples, and pinks—complementary and cohesive in tone.

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Symbolism and Emotional Tone

• Generational Bond: The presence of multiple generations in one frame emphasizes family heritage and continuity.

• Respect and Honor: The seated elders symbolize wisdom and experience, while the standing children honor them with their supportive posture.

• Celebration of Togetherness: The smiles, colors, and setting all indicate a moment of joy, likely a family reunion or special occasion.

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Here's the water color Rendition:

Here's the Charcoal Interpretation:

Good Try, ChatGPT, But there is no substitute for the Real Photo!

Lastly, My Food For Thought for Today:

 Love alone isn’t enough to hold a marriage together.

Many couples believe that as long as they love each other, everything else will fall into place. But love doesn’t automatically solve differences in communication styles, personal values or long-term goals.

What truly sustains a marriage is commitment, effort and the willingness to adapt. Love can help keep the spark going, but it’s the daily choices that really make a difference.

Anti-Semitism in the US and In the World

This posting is inspired by the recent killings of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington DCand the recent Boulder, Colorado Flame throwing Incident.    

Jewish hate crimes—antisemitic crimes—are criminal acts motivated by prejudice against Jewish individuals or the Jewish community. These can range from vandalism and verbal harassment to physical violence and even murder. Here’s an overview of what is known about Jewish hate crimes, historically and currently:

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1. Historical Context

• Long History of Antisemitism: Jewish people have faced persecution for centuries, from the medieval blood libels and forced conversions to the Spanish Inquisition and pogroms in Eastern Europe.

• The Holocaust: The most extreme manifestation was the Holocaust during World War II, where approximately six million Jews were murdered by the Nazis.

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2. Common Types of Hate Crimes

• Vandalism: Desecration of synagogues, cemeteries, and Jewish community centers (e.g., swastikas spray-painted on walls).

• Physical Assault: Targeted attacks on Jewish individuals wearing visible symbols (e.g., kippahs, Star of David jewelry).

• Harassment: Online hate, slurs, or threats, often targeting individuals or groups.

• Terrorist Attacks: Such as the 2018 Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, where 11 people were killed—the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history.

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3. Trends and Statistics

• United States: According to the FBI and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Jews are consistently the most targeted religious group in hate crimes. In 2022, over half of all religiously motivated hate crimes in the U.S. targeted Jews, despite Jews making up only about 2% of the population.

• Europe: Countries like France and Germany have also seen a rise in antisemitic incidents, especially during times of political unrest or conflict involving Israel.

• Social Media: The internet and social platforms have amplified the spread of antisemitic tropes, conspiracy theories (like the “global Jewish conspiracy”), and Holocaust denial.

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4. Drivers of Antisemitism

• Conspiracy Theories: Beliefs that Jews control the media, banks, or governments.

• Political Extremism: Both far-right and far-left ideologies have antisemitic elements.

• Conflict in the Middle East: Violence or political tension involving Israel often correlates with spikes in antisemitic incidents worldwide, regardless of the views or affiliations of local Jewish communities.

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5. Legal and Social Responses

• Hate Crime Laws: Many countries have laws increasing penalties for crimes motivated by hatred of a person’s identity, including religion.

• Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the ADL (U.S.), CST (UK), and others document incidents, support victims, and lobby for better protections.

• Education: Holocaust education and diversity training are key strategies in combating antisemitism.

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Antisemitic incidents in the United States have surged to unprecedented levels in recent years, with 2024 marking the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking numbers. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported 9,354 antisemitic incidents in 2024, encompassing assaults, vandalism, and harassment. This represents a 5% increase from 2023 and an 893% increase over the past decade. CNN+1ynetnews+1CNN+4Axios+4ynetnews+4Dallas News+5www.israelhayom.com+5Jewish Virtual Library+5

Notable Recent Incidents

• Washington, D.C. Museum Shooting (May 2025): Two Israeli Embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were fatally shot at the Capital Jewish Museum. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, reportedly shouted pro-Palestinian slogans during his arrest and had connections to radical movements. New York Post+5New York Post+5Time+5Wikipedia+2Time+2Chron+2

• Pentagon Appointment Controversy (May 2025): Kingsley Wilson was appointed as the Pentagon's press secretary despite a history of promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories, leading to widespread condemnation.The Guardian

• Kanye West's Controversial Statements (May 2025): Kanye West, also known as Ye, declared he is "done with antisemitism" after releasing a song praising Hitler and selling T-shirts with swastikas. His apology was met with skepticism. New York Post

• Columbia University Allegations (2024): An investigation concluded that Columbia University exhibited "deliberate indifference" to the harassment faced by its Jewish students amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.The Times of India

• Houston Community Concerns (May 2025): Following the D.C. museum shooting, Houston leaders warned of escalating antisemitism in their city, citing increased hostility and physical violence directed at Jewish individuals. Chron+1Time+1

Trends and Statistics

• Campus Incidents: College campuses saw a sharp rise, with 1,694 antisemitic incidents in 2024 — up 84% from 2023. www.israelhayom.com+2ynetnews+2The Times of Israel+2

• Geographical Distribution: New York and California reported the highest numbers, with 1,437 and 1,344 incidents respectively. ynetnews

• Protests and Rallies: Over 2,500 antisemitic incidents occurred at anti-Israel protests, with groups like Students for Justice in Palestine and the Party for Socialism and Liberation linked to more than half of these events.Wikipedia+3ynetnews+3The Times of Israel+3

• White Supremacist Propaganda: White supremacist propaganda accounted for 962 incidents, with the vast majority tied to groups like Patriot Front and the Goyim Defense League. ynetnews

These incidents underscore a troubling normalization of antisemitic rhetoric and actions across various sectors of society. The ADL emphasizes the need for urgent, united action from all sectors, including government, academia, and social media platforms, to confront and eradicate antisemitism. Time

Recent Developments in Antisemitism

Time

The D.C. Jewish Museum Shooting Was Inevitable. The Time to Act on Antisemitism is Now

Today

The Guardian

New Pentagon spokesperson promoted antisemitic conspiracy theory - as it happened

Today

New York Post

Kanye West claims he's 'done with antisemitism' - weeks after releasing song praising Hitler

Today

Meanwhile, Did you know that....

 

The Philippine warty pig sports a shaggy mohawk and a distinct beard, giving it a wild, almost mythical look.

Native to Visayas and Mindoro, this pig isn’t just stylish — it’s critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting. It’s one of the rarest wild pigs on Earth, and conservationists are racing to save its dwindling population.