WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Jewish communities have voiced support for the Chinese American and Chinese communities for their being targets of xenophobia over the novel coronavirus.

"We are concerned about rising xenophobia aimed at Chinese people in this country and abroad over the COVID-19 'coronavirus,'" wrote the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), an American Jewish non-profit organization that deals with community relations, in an open letter on Tuesday to the Chinese American and Chinese communities in the United States.

"We know that in such times, concern can quickly turn into hysteria, which can lead to scapegoating. We pledge to help ensure that Chinese people feel safe and supported, and to combat attacks and stereotyping on social media," said the council, which represents 125 local Jewish federations and community relations councils and 17 national Jewish agencies.

The letter noted that many Chinese-owned businesses have been affected by "misinformed concerns about the virus" while there is no need in fact to avoid Chinese people or business.

"Indeed, several Jewish communities have sent delegations to local Chinatowns to show their unwavering support," the letter added.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 53 cases nationwide as of Tuesday noon, a majority of which are passengers back from the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan.