On December 10, a distressing incident unfolded in Miami Beach, where a teacher was the target of an antisemitic attack. This alarming event, which was captured on video, shows the teacher screaming for help as she was assaulted by a stranger. The attack occurred at around 7:40 a.m., near the Lehrman Community Day School, and left many in the community shaken.
The teacher was wearing a Star of David necklace and was busy using her phone when the assailant, identified as 33-year-old Slemons Graves, ripped the phone from her hands. During this shocking encounter, Graves made a vile remark: “Move, you dirty Jew,” before physically assaulting her. In a desperate bid for safety, the teacher fled towards the school, while Graves made his escape. Fortunately, police were notified, and he has since been charged with robbery and assault with prejudice. Graves, who had only been living in South Florida for two months, had a prior arrest in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 2024 for racist slurs and throwing a hot cup of coffee at an employee. He remains in custody, with his next court hearing scheduled for April 2, 2026 (Source 1).
Understanding Antisemitism in America
This incident is not an isolated case; it reflects a troubling rise in antisemitic sentiments across the United States. According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), 2022 saw the highest number of antisemitic incidents recorded since the organization began tracking in 1979, with 3,679 reported cases. Alarmingly, over 80% of the approximately 7.5 million American Jews perceive an increase in antisemitism, despite a historical narrative that suggested this prejudice had been largely overcome after World War II.
Antisemitism in America has deep roots, with prejudiced stereotypes imported by early Christian settlers. Discrimination against Jews intensified in the 19th century, influenced by racial antisemitism and nativist movements opposing the immigration of Eastern European Jews in the early 20th century. Although many Jews experienced socio-economic advancement post-World War II, recent events have shown that antisemitism remains a significant issue, manifesting on both the political right and left. The rhetoric surrounding antisemitism has only intensified in recent years, particularly with the advent of social media and the spread of conspiracy theories.
A Closer Look at Past Incidents
Recent history has seen a series of violent antisemitic attacks that have horrified the nation. In October 2018, eleven people were killed during a service at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, marking the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history. This event was tied to the perpetrator’s antisemitic and racist beliefs, which he expressed online. Subsequent attacks included a 2019 assault on a kosher supermarket in Jersey City, New Jersey, and a hostage situation in a Texas synagogue in 2022. Each incident has underscored the ongoing threat posed by antisemitism in various forms across the country (Source 3).
As we reflect on the attack in Miami Beach, it’s crucial to acknowledge the broader context of antisemitism in America. The community must remain vigilant and proactive in combating hatred in all its forms, fostering understanding and solidarity among all people.
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