ADL Report Reveals Rising Antisemitism Against Jewish Teachers in US Unions

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) released a report on Thursday highlighting a troubling rise in antisemitism experienced by Jewish teachers within American teachers' unions. Based on a survey and focus groups involving 307 Jewish union members from early childhood to high school educators, the report reveals a hostile environment where 73.6% of respondents feel compelled to self-censor in union settings. Additionally, 70% fear professional repercussions if they raise concerns about antisemitism.

Nearly half of the participants (47.6%) have reduced their involvement in union activities due to offensive rhetoric or behavior targeting Jews, Zionism, or Israel. Over half reported exposure to denial or minimization of the October 7 Hamas attack atrocities within the past year. The term "Zionist" was used as a slur by 49%, and 44% noted that union events featured speakers justifying violence against Jews or Israel. More than 70% criticized union statements on the conflict for failing to condemn Hamas or the massacres.

The report also exposes a severe trust deficit between Jewish teachers and union leadership, with 69% dissatisfied with responses to their complaints. Only a quarter said their unions promoted programs about Jews, Zionism, or Israel in the past year, and 78% of those viewed the content as biased. One participant recounted a local union blaming Israel for the Hamas attack and silencing attempts to correct this narrative. Another described Jewish educators "going underground," avoiding identifying as Jewish or displaying symbols.

ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt emphasized that these issues reflect systemic and cultural failures rather than isolated incidents. He called for unions to explicitly condemn antisemitism, implement protective measures for Jewish members, review educational materials, and refocus on their core mission of supporting all educators. Survey respondents strongly supported clear denunciations of threats and harassment (76%), fact-based antisemitism training (73.3%), and anti-harassment policies (71.7%).