ADL: Hate rises in Mass., Conn., but drops in US

BOSTON (AP) — The Anti-Defamation League says anti-Semitic incidents have increased in Massachusetts and Connecticut, but decreased in other New England areas and nationwide.

The organization's annual audit shows hate incidents aimed at Jewish people in Massachusetts increased from 64 in 2010 to 72 in 2011.

In Connecticut, incidents increased from 38 to 43.

ADL Regional Director Derrek Shulman says the Internet "has breathed new life" into destructive stereotypes about Jews.

Nationally, many reported incidents involved bullying at schools.

But ADL found hate incidents dropped in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, also posting a 9.5 percent national decline.

The organization uses crime statistics, and information from victims, law-enforcement officials and community leaders for the audit.

It identifies acts of harassment and intimidation, including threats, slurs and hate propaganda distribution.