MLB Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson calls out antisemitism in Philadelphia, compares to 1960s racism

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.

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."

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."