Survey Reveals Rising Fear and Antisemitism Among American Jews Ahead of US 250th Anniversary

A comprehensive survey released by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) ahead of the United States' 250th anniversary reveals alarming levels of antisemitism experienced by American Jews. Conducted by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, the study found that 57% of American Jews encountered antisemitism in the past year, with 58% feeling less safe than the previous year. Approximately 1.2 million Jewish adults avoided attending community and religious events due to genuine fears for their safety.

The survey highlights behavioral changes among American Jews, with 38% admitting to hiding Jewish symbols in public, 32% refraining from posting Jewish-related content on social media, and 23% deliberately skipping Jewish ceremonies out of security concerns. Public visibility has become a direct risk factor, particularly affecting those openly living as Jews. Orthodox Jews and active community members reported higher personal attacks, at 46% and 44% respectively, compared to 17% among less involved individuals.

Physical violence and harassment have also increased, with 8% (about 406,000 adults) reporting threats or physical assaults due to their Jewish identity. Additionally, 36% encountered antisemitic graffiti or vandalism nearby, and an equal percentage heard antisemitic remarks from coworkers or neighbors. Online antisemitism is widespread, with 59% exposed to explicit antisemitic content and 10% targeted personally. Despite this, 40% experienced solidarity from non-Jewish acquaintances.

In response to these challenges, there is overwhelming support among American Jews for officially adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. Seventy-one percent agree it accurately describes antisemitism, and over two-thirds urge institutions to adopt it to enhance deterrence, with only 4% opposing.

Aliza D. Levin, CAM's US president, emphasized the urgent need for institutional action, stating, "The findings are a stark reminder that antisemitism is a daily, tangible threat for American Jews. The more visibly Jewish someone is, the higher the risk of attack. It is time for all US institutions to adopt the IHRA definition immediately and ensure Jews can proudly and safely embrace their heritage." Aaron Kiak, CAM's international affairs representative and former US special envoy for antisemitism, added that antisemitism now spans extreme left and right factions, requiring unified, systemic responses beyond political divides.