The 2016 anti-Semitic vandalism at Beth Shalom cemetery spurred a movement in the community.  

"I think that was a tipping point for many of us in Orange County. We in the Jewish community have been experiencing incidents of anti-Semitism," said Rachel Rubenstein, rabbi and executive director at the Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County.  

In response to the hate crimes a seminar was assembled to teach school administrators, prosecutors and police how to properly respond. 

"We learned there was a need in this county to educate law enforcement on how to investigate these types of incidents, and how to deal with the public in these types of incidents. But we also learned in investigating that there has to be an education and awareness component to this," said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler.  

The FBI reported that last year there was a 17 percent increase in the number of hate crimes happening across the U.S. They also reported a near 40 percent uptick in the amount of hate crimes against Jewish people and Jewish institutions. 

"All very concerning numbers but it also helps us create better policies, drive better practices and procedures for our local law enforcement agencies, local elected officials and community leaders," said Melanie Robbins, deputy director at the Anti-Defamation League NY-NJ Regional Office.   

The Anti-Defamation League said they track hate crimes and bias incidents — which are incidents not considered a crime. 

"Our numbers show last year a 57 percent increase nationwide, with a 90 percent increase right here in New York State," said Robbins.   

Orange County is creating a hotline for people to report bias incidents and hate crimes, but prevention is also key. As such, posters and brochures will be put in some of the local school districts and government buildings.  

"Many students have no concept or understanding of the Holocaust; have no understanding of the signs and symbols that are used in hate speech," said Hoovler.