“Hate in the Cascade States” provides a snapshot of antisemitism and extremism in Washington and Oregon
Seattle, WA, February 3, 2025 … A new report from ADL (Anti-Defamation League) highlights key trends in extremism in both Oregon and Washington, including the disruptive actions of extremists who seek the elimination of the state of Israel, new networking initiatives by white supremacists and anti- government extremist efforts to build political power.
The report, “Hate in the Cascade States,” written by the ADL Center on Extremism (COE), looks back on nearly two years of extremist activity in the Pacific Northwest. The region is not unfamiliar with extremists; they have alarmed and endangered residents for decades.
In 2023, a time when ADL tracked the highest-ever number of antisemitic incidents nationwide, there were also record numbers of antisemitic incidents in the Cascade States. In Oregon, antisemitic incidents increased 210% from 2022, rising from 40 to 124. At the same time in Washington, antisemitic incidents were up 191%, rising from 65 to 189.
“Today, we aim to shine a bright light on extremist actions and ideologies from both ends of the political spectrum, which undermine the safety and well-being of our communities and democracy,” Miri Cypers, Regional Director of ADL Pacific Northwest said. “We urge our leaders in Washington and Oregon to take action and push extremism back to the fringes where it belongs. As a leader who has been personally threatened by white supremacists, I know how language and ideas can blossom into hateful threats and potential violence when left unchecked.”
Since Oct. 7, 2023, there have been at least 250 anti-Israel protests across Washington and Oregon. Protests and public gatherings often featured support for terrorism and other concerning rhetoric, including explicit antisemitism.
Meanwhile, emerging white supremacist networks have increasingly focused on building camaraderie and collaboration across the white supremacist movement. In the Pacific Northwest, white supremacists created a regional coalition called the Northwest Nationalist Network (3N) in 2023 that is made up of a range of white supremacist groups and networks. Since its formation, it has had success with its multi-state collaboration, holding at least ten demonstrations across the Pacific Northwest in 2023 alone. 3N has also served as inspiration for white supremacists across the country, with at least four new coalitions coming together since 3N’s formation.
Far-right anti-government extremists have sought political influence and power by running for office, fostering relationships with policymakers and lobbying for various legislative agendas. The People’s Rights movement has been particularly active, with members even winning county party positions in Oregon. A former leader of the Washington Three Percenters (WA3%), a right-wing anti-government militia group, also won a state-level seat in Washington. The Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA), which maintains the county sheriff is the ultimate authority within a county and can halt federal or state measures with which they don’t agree, also has a historical presence in both states.
“ADL remains committed to exposing and combating extremism and hate, regardless of its source,” said Oren Segal, Vice President of the ADL Center on Extremism. “This mission requires making our data, analysis, and expertise available to policymakers and communities. The diverse forms of hate present in the Pacific Northwest must be addressed, and we hope this report serves as a catalyst for meaningful action.”
The report also includes recommendations for state and local policy makers. ADL advocates for a range of policies and activities that can help address antisemitism, hate and extremism while preserving personal liberties.
Find the full list of suggestions for Oregon and Washington in the "Hate in the Cascade States: Extremism & Antisemitism in Oregon & Washington" report.
ADL is the world's leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of antisemitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education and fighting hate online, ADL's ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate.