See more of our coverage in your search results.
A majority of American Jews experienced antisemitism over the past year, with many changing their behavior out of fear, according to a survey released on Friday by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
The survey, commissioned by CAM’s Antisemitism Research Center, found that 57 percent of Jewish Americans reported experiencing antisemitism in the past year, equivalent to an estimated 3.3 million Jewish adults and approximately 250,000 Jewish children living in affected households.
The findings also suggest that rising antisemitism is prompting many Jews to conceal their identity.
Thirty-eight percent of respondents said they now hide items that identify them as Jewish, 32 percent avoid posting Jewish-related content online, and 23 percent said they have skipped Jewish events or observances because of safety concerns.
“These findings are a stark reminder that antisemitism is a lived daily reality for Jewish Americans,” said Alyza D. Lewin, CAM’s president of US affairs.
“The more openly Jewish you are, the more likely you are to experience antisemitism. Unsurprisingly, as a result, Jews are changing their behavior and thinking twice about how openly Jewish to be.”
The survey also found strong support for the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism.
After reading the definition, 71 percent of respondents said it accurately described antisemitism, and more than two-thirds said it should be adopted by institutions. Only four percent opposed its adoption.
“At the same time, the survey responses demonstrate that Jews overwhelmingly support adoption of the IHRA definition,” Lewin said.
“The data is clear. The mandate is clear. It’s time to adopt the IHRA definition and get to work protecting the ability of Jews in America to openly, proudly and safely embrace their Jewish shared ancestry, history and heritage.”
The survey of 1,060 Jewish American adults was conducted by Dr. Ira Sheskin of the University of Miami and administered by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago. The survey’s margin of sampling error was ±3.5 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.
Fifty-eight percent of respondents felt less safe than they did a year ago, while 59 percent said they had encountered antisemitic content online and 47 percent reported hearing antisemitic tropes.
The survey of 1,060 Jewish American adults was conducted by Dr. Ira Sheskin of the University of Miami and administered by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago. The survey’s margin of sampling error was ±3.5 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.
Ten percent said antisemitic content had been directed at them personally.
According to the survey, antisemitism was reported most frequently by Jews who visibly express their Jewish identity or actively participate in Jewish communal life, with the researchers concluding that “the more openly Jewish a person lives, the more antisemitism they reported facing.”
Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.
Please provide a valid email.
By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Never miss a story.
Aaron Keyak, CAM’s special representative on international affairs and former US deputy special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, said the findings underscore the need for a bipartisan response.