UNLV conference addresses growing antisemitism

UNLV and the Anti-Defamation League hosted the Rising Above Together: Conference on Antisemitism and Hate on Friday, drawing a capacity crowd of 400 to the Student Union. The gathering came weeks after a man stood on a Summerlin street corner near several Jewish temples holding a sign reading "Hitler was right," an Oct. 16 incident that prompted frightened community members to contact the ADL asking how to respond.

ADL Regional Director Jolie Brislin told attendees the Jewish community cannot fight antisemitism alone. "We need people from across the community to understand what's happening, recognize it when they see it and feel empowered to speak up against it," she said. UNLV President Chris Heavey agreed the timing was critical, linking the rise in hate to widespread anxiety, insecurity, ignorance and the "politics of extremism driven by social media."

ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt cited record-breaking national figures, noting more than 6,200 antisemitic incidents were recorded in 2025 — roughly 17 a day. He said Jews remain the most-targeted religious minority in America, accounting for 15 percent of hate crimes despite representing just 2 percent of the population. Clark County Commission Chairman Michael Naft called the trend a concern for everyone "regardless of religion or political belief."

Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal