FBI Data Shows Rising Antisemitic Hate Crimes Against Jews in US Despite Overall Decline
New FBI data released in July 2026 reveals a troubling increase in antisemitic hate crimes in the United States during the first half of the year, despite an overall decline in hate crimes nationwide. From January to early July, the FBI recorded 4,384 offenses across 3,750 hate crime incidents, with Jewish individuals targeted in 15% of these events. Specifically, there were 566 antisemitic incidents involving 613 criminal offenses. The likelihood of a Jewish person being victimized by a hate crime is approximately 525% higher than their population share in the US.
Religious-based hate crimes totaled 978 incidents, about a quarter of all hate crimes, with Jews overwhelmingly the primary targets. Other religious groups affected included Sikhs and Muslims at 2% each, and Arabs at 1%. While the FBI notes a general 43% decrease in hate crime offenses and a 41.5% drop in incidents compared to the previous year, antisemitic acts remain disproportionately high.
Most antisemitic incidents (55%) involved property damage or vandalism, followed by intimidation and threats (31%), minor physical assaults (8%), and severe assaults or thefts (2% each). These crimes occurred across various settings: 17% in public spaces like streets and sidewalks, 16% in elementary and high schools, 15% at victims’ homes, and 9% on college campuses. Smaller shares took place in parks and synagogues (6% each) and business or office buildings (3% each).
Geographically, California and New Jersey emerged as hotspots, reporting 158 and 102 antisemitic offenses respectively. New York State reported 88 such crimes, though New York City alone documented 178 antisemitic hate crimes in the same period, including 26 in the last month, indicating possible underreporting or data discrepancies. These figures highlight ongoing challenges in combating antisemitism across the US.
Summary: FBI statistics from early 2026 show a rise in antisemitic hate crimes in the US, with Jews disproportionately targeted despite an overall decline in hate crimes. California, New Jersey, and New York are key hotspots, and incidents span public spaces, schools, and homes.
