The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville has raised alarm over the increasing incidents of hate speech and attacks targeting Jewish individuals in Tennessee. According to Deborah Oleshansky, the community relations director for the Jewish Federation, areas like Metro Nashville, Williamson County, Rutherford County, and Sumner County have witnessed verbal and physical assaults against Jewish children.

Last year alone, Tennessee reported 290 hate speech-related incidents, as documented by the ADL. The emergence of extremist groups like the Blood Tribe and Goyium Defense League, advertised through local flyers, has added to the fears within the Jewish community. Oleshansky expressed that the surge in antisemitism has instilled a newfound sense of threat that many had not experienced until recently, akin to the fears felt by previous generations.

Social media platforms have played a significant role in amplifying the voices of these extremist groups, leading to a rise in propaganda targeting the Jewish community. Oleshansky has called on extremists to reevaluate the messages being spread within these groups, emphasizing the Jewish tradition of caring for one another and building strong communities.

Following a recent march, the Jewish Federation received support from the community, but Oleshansky urged leaders to publicly denounce such demonstrations. She encouraged those seeking assistance to participate in upcoming events organized by the Jewish Federation, including a visit from Jewish matchmaker Aleeza Ben Shalom on Feb. 27 and the JCRC Social Justice Seder event on April 11.

Acts of hate speech can be reported online to the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville and the ADL, providing a means for combating the growing antisemitism in the region.