Anti-Semitic incidents in Mass. down in 2008

BOSTON -- The Anti-Defamation League of New England says the number of anti-Semitic incidents in Massachusetts dropped by nearly half last year, mirroring a national trend.

The ADL reported 52 anti-Semitic incidents in 2008, compared with 95 in 2007 and 96 in 2006.

ADL regional director Derrek Shulman said in a statement Monday that while encouraging, the lower number of incidents is no reason for complacence.

The organization says nationally there were 1,352 anti-Semitic incidents in 2008, a 7 percent drop from the previous year.

The organization identifies anti-Semitism as criminal acts, including vandalism and violence, as well as non-criminal incidents of harassment and intimidation.

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