An organization representing Jews in Kentucky has warned of an “unprecedented” rise in antisemitism in the state.

The Kentucky Jewish Council, which describes itself as the leading statewide voice and advocate for the Kentucky Jewish community, warned in its first ever report that the public needs to act. The Report on Antisemitism in Kentucky was compiled in light of skyrocketing rates of incidents in the state.

The report lists over 30 incidents that occurred in Kentucky in 2022, which the organization described as “an unprecedented rate” for Kentucky, which has taken steps in past years to address attacks on the Jewish community.

These steps have included becoming the first state to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism in 2021, the group noted.

“We have seen a horrifying rise in Jew-hatred, both across the country, and right here inKentucky,” said Rabbi Shlomo Litvin, chair of the Kentucky Jewish Council. “From the shocking attempted murder of a Jewish candidate for office to repeated issues in the political spectrum, Kentucky has made far too many headlines for the wrong reasons this year.”

Rabbi Litvin explained that the report was released to “educate community leaders on the issues facing Kentucky” in order to find a path to address the increasing antisemitism in the state.

“Amid rising antisemitism from tremendous platforms, including The View, the New York Times, and Kyrie Irving and Kanye West, we must be vigilant in our opposition to this scourge. In a time of great darkness, each of us is called to be a light,” he said.

The Kentucky Jewish Council will present their report on February 8 at the Kentucky State Capitol Annex to members of the state legislature along with representatives from the governor’s and attorney general's office, together with local and national advocacy groups.