The number of hate crime incidents in Nevada has reached its highest level in five years

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — According to the Nevada Department of Public Safety, hate crimes in Southern Nevada are up 189% compared to last year. In 2023, 38 incidents were reported, this year the number has increased to 110, which is the highest number of reported incidents in five years.

Jolie Brislin of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) of Nevada said she continues to see an increase in anti-Semitic and anti-Jewish hate crimes, with the number of such incidents increasing by 67% in the state.

“One is that the only way to eradicate hate is through education,” Brislin said. “We need to continue to have these conversations, whether at our kitchen table or near our schools. We need to have these conversations.”

She emphasized the importance of reporting incidents, regardless of perceived severity. “Then the second thing is that we have to report. We need incidents to be reported. No matter how small you think they are. They need to be documented,” she said.

In August, the US State Department released global guidelines to combat anti-Semitism.

Brislin expressed hope that these policies could help combat hate crimes in Nevada and across the country.