Anti-semitism declines

espite several recent headline-grabbing attacks against Jews in the San Fernando Valley, anti-Semitic incidents continued to decline statewide and across the country last year, according to a report released today.

The hate incidents dropped 13 percent nationwide in 2007 and 9 percent in California. Over the last four years, they have plummeted 25 percent around the country and 21 percent in the Golden State, figures compiled by the Anti-Defamation League show. Rachel Uranga in the Daily News.

Still, Jewish groups call the incidents troubling and note that despite gains, the deep-seated symbols of hate have not faded. More troubling, they say, are increased reports of anti-Semitic schoolyard squabbles.

"You are seeing an uptick in the acceptance of anti-Semitism," said Amanda Susskind, director of the league's Pacific Southwest Division. "We think the method of dissemination has changed because of the Internet."