Norwalk's Congregation Beth El held a public seminar on combating anti-Semitism and bullying Sunday morning.

Temple leaders say the gathering comes on the heels of a nationwide increase in anti-Semitic incidents both locally and nationally.

Two Anti-Defamation League members joined Rabbi Ita Paskind in leading the conversation.

"Hate crimes and anti-Semitism are the type of crimes that effect an entire community,” says member Steve Ginsburg. “So when you hear from the community and share what we know, it gives them a chance to be advocates in the effort to confront those things."

The Anti-Defamation League reports an increase of 57 percent of anti-Semitic incidents across the country in 2017.

Attendees had the opportunity to learn about what the league does and how it works to combat such incidents.

"I think it's incumbent upon all of us to fight discrimination and anti-Semitism whenever we see it,” says attendee Marguerite Felsenfeld. “So to be able to learn what's going on and how to attack it in the Jewish community is essential." 

Congregation leaders say the community has both an opportunity and obligation to educate themselves and stand up to bullying.