Though the events of Oct. 7 brought fresh awareness to the scope of antisemitism in this country, researchers say such hate has been on the rise for quite some time. In the U.S. antisemitic incidents increased by 35% between 2021 and 2022.

Certainly, we know more people have felt freer to express their hatreds — and perhaps even act upon them — in recent years. That boldness has done its damage to younger generations. In Canton, a 13-year-old boy has been charged with allegedly planning a mass shooting of a local Jewish synagogue. The Associated Press and Canton Repository report that court documents show the boy is charged with inducing panic and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors. He’s accused of posting a “detailed plan to complete a mass shooting” at Temple Israel in Canton, on the livestreaming platform Discord.

To be clear, this case was discovered in September — well before the start of the Israel-Hamas war. One can only imagine what the boy was hearing from trusted adults in his life, and what garbage he was consuming on social media, if he did plan such an attack.

The fight against genuine antisemitism is not helped by those who confuse disagreement with the actions of a country’s government with hate for those who make up the majority of the population in that country. Americans in particular MUST understand that.

Antisemitism is a vile and ancient poison. It has bubbled up again in an era where it is magnified by its ability to travel at the speed of the internet. That is why, should the boy in Canton be found guilty of the charges against him, the consequences must be such that they serve as a lesson to others watching. Antisemitism is wrong. It is unacceptable. Acting upon it brings consequences.

“Hate and threats on social media, as in real life, cannot and will not be tolerated,” the Anti-Defamation League of Cleveland said regarding the Canton case.

It is up to all of us to speak and behave in such a way as to convey that to young people such as the boy in Canton. If we do not, we, too, will bear the consequences.