Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson called out antisemitism in his home state of Philadelphia, comparing it to racism he experienced in the 1960s, in a Saturday post on X/Twitter.
Jackson cited Anti-Defamation League (ADL) data recording 465 antisemitic incidents in Pennsylvania over the course of 2024, including 189 in Philadelphia and 51 in Montgomery County, where his hometown Wyncote is located.
“The numbers show this is not an abstract concern,” Jackson wrote, adding that it made him “angry and ashamed to see hatred tolerated there.”
It is heartbreaking to see antisemitism in my hometown. I was born in Wyncote, near Philadelphia, and it makes me angry and ashamed to see hatred tolerated there. The numbers show this is not an abstract concern. The Anti-Defamation League recorded 465 antisemitic incidents across Pennsylvania in 2024, an 18% increase over 2023. It tracked 189 incidents in Philadelphia and 51 in Montgomery County. These reports include harassment, vandalism, and assault; they are not all classified as crimes. (https://t.co/LNbuEF4lCN, https://t.co/VD98Hg5XEp) Hateful expression harms more than its immediate target. In a 2025 survey of Jewish Americans, 79% said they were concerned about antisemitism, and 52% said they had worried about their personal safety because of their identity. Nearly half reported taking steps to increase their security. A research review also found that exposure to hate is associated with worse psychological well-being, more negative stereotypes, and less trust between groups. (https://t.co/VD98Hg5XEp, https://t.co/YJT6NcR4VF) It takes me back to the racism I experienced in the 1960s: signs throughout the South declaring that Black people could be refused service, along with separate “white” and “colored” signs on bathrooms and drinking fountains,”no niggers”. I remember what that hatred looked and felt like. We cannot accept it in any form, directed at any people. I wish I could be there to stand with those protesting HATE. I am asking elected officials and other leaders in Philadelphia: Where are the clear statements condemning antisemitism? When hateful language is excused or repeated, it can make hostility seem acceptable and deepen fear and division. Leaders should speak plainly and consistently: antisemitism and hate have no place in our communities. What the hell? We have to speak up. Reggie Jackson The Mr. October Guy
— Reggie Jackson (@mroctober) November 7, 2026
Jackson also brought up ADL reports that a majority of Jewish Americans are concerned about antisemitism and their personal safety.
“Hateful expression harms more than its immediate target,” he wrote. “A research review also found that exposure to hate is associated with worse psychological well-being, more negative stereotypes, and less trust between groups.”
US antisemitism is like American South racism in 1960s, Jackson says
He associated reports of pervasive antisemitism with racism in the American South in the 1960s, mentioning separate bathrooms and drinking fountains, and signs stating that black people could be refused service.
“I remember what that hatred looked and felt like,” he concluded. “We cannot accept it in any form, directed at any people.”
Jackson called for Philadelphia leaders and elected officials to stand up to protest and condemn antisemitism.
“Leaders should speak plainly and consistently,” he said. “Antisemitism and hate have no place in our communities.”
