Though the events of Oct. 7 brought fresh awareness to the scope of antisemitism in this country, researchers say such hate has been on the rise for quite some time. In the U.S., antisemitic incidents rose 35% between 2021 and 2022.

Certainly, we know more people have felt freer to express their hatreds — and perhaps even act upon them — in recent years. That boldness has done its damage to younger generations. In Canton, Ohio, a 13-year-old boy has been charged with allegedly planning a mass shooting of a local Jewish synagogue. The Associated Press reports court documents show the boy is charged with inducing panic and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors. He’s accused of posting a “detailed plan to complete a mass shooting” at Temple Israel in Canton.

This case was discovered in September — well before the start of the Israel-Hamas war. One can only imagine what the boy was consuming online.

The fight against genuine antisemitism is not helped by those who confuse disagreement with the actions of a country’s government with hate for those who make up the majority of the population in a country. Antisemitism is a vile and ancient poison. It has bubbled up again and can travel at the speed of the internet.

That is why it is up to all of us to speak and behave in such a way as to convey the right message to young people.

If we do not, we, too, will bear the consequences.