There were a record number of bias incidents reported in New Jersey in 2023, according to preliminary data compiled by the New Jersey State Police and released today by Attorney General Matt Platkin.

According to the data, a total of 2,699 bias incidents were reported statewide in 2023, with at least 708 of those aimed at Jews.

The preliminary total number of bias incidents reported for 2023 represents a 22% increase from the then-record high 2,211 bias incidents reported to law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey in 2022, which was the seventh straight annual increase in bias crimes.

The totals for 2022, which were finalized today, was a 16% increase over the 1,885 bias incidents reported for 2021 – which was also a new record-high.

But even with this preliminary data, the overall number of bias incidents reported in 2023 represents the highest annual number of bias incidents reported since the State began tracking them in 1994.

In recent years, anti-Black and anti-Jewish bias were the most common race- and religion-based motivations for reported bias incidents.

Anti-Black bias was cited as a motivation for 1,101 reported bias incidents in 2023, representing 34% of all reported bias motivations in 2023.

Anti-Jewish bias was cited as a motivation for 708 reported bias incidents in 2023, representing 22% of all reported motivations in 2023.

The preliminary data also reflects notable increases in 2023 in reported anti-Muslim and anti-Arab bias. There were 61 reported incidents involving anti-Muslim bias in 2022, compared with 107 incidents in 2023, for an increase of 75%. There were 46 reported incidents involving anti-Arab bias in 2022, compared with 78 incidents in 2023, for an increase of almost 70%.

Lakewood Police reported 55 bias incidents, which is tied with Fort Lee for the most.

“As we witness the alarming rise in incidents of bias and hate across our nation, New Jersey is not immune to this epidemic. While we can attribute our state’s significant rise in part to an increased willingness to report such acts, it is our duty to ensure New Jerseyans can live and work free from violence, fear, and intimidation,” Governor Phil Murphy said in a statement.