By Ted Deutch
American Jewish Committee
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — Antisemitism has reached a tipping point in America, threatening American Jews and casting an ominous shadow across our society.
American Jewish Committee (AJC) on Wednesday, Feb. 12, released our State of Antisemitism in America 2024 Report.
This year’s report is the first analysis of American Jews and U.S. adults to look at the impact of antisemitism during the full year following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, massacre of Israelis.
The numbers are harrowing.
Every number in this report reflects the very real and lived experiences of American Jews over the last 12 months. The events of October 7 not only fundamentally changed the reality on the ground in Israel, but also the lives of Jews in the U.S. At a time of increasing antisemitism, including in the insidious form of anti-Zionism, we need leaders throughout society to take action.
The Big Picture:
–Nearly six in 10 (56%) American Jews say they altered their behavior out of fear of antisemitism in 2024—a sharp increase from previous years. In 2023, this number was 46%, and 38% in 2022.
–77% say they feel less safe as a Jewish person in the U.S. because of the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks.
–90% of American Jews say antisemitism has increased in the U.S. since the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks.
–One-third (33%) of American Jews say they have been the personal target of antisemitism—in person or virtually—at least once over the last year.
Go Deeper:
–40% of Jews in the U.S. say they have avoided publicly wearing or displaying things that might identify them as a Jew, up from 26% in 2023.
–Four in 10 (41%) young American Jews (ages 18-29) say they have been the target of antisemitism at least once, compared to 31% of U.S. Jews who are 30 and older.
More than one-third (35%) of American Jewish college students report experiencing antisemitism at least once during their time on campus.
Where the American General Public Stands:
–A majority of U.S. adults (72%) say antisemitism is a problem in the U.S. today.
–Almost six in 10 (59%) U.S. adults say antisemitism has increased in the U.S. in the past five years.
–Nine in 10 (90%) U.S. adults say antisemitism affects society as a whole, and everyone is responsible for combating it.
This data underpins AJC’s message to leaders across American society: this is an all-hands-on-deck moment, and we must act now to protect Jews—and our democracy—from rising antisemitism. That one-third of American Jews say they have been the target of antisemitism in the past year should raise red flags for every American and our leaders. Simply put, the data demands action.
In the weeks ahead, AJC’s experts will share how you can join us in ensuring key sectors of our society take the steps necessary to identify, address, and prevent antisemitism across our nation.
As the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, AJC is leading the charge in calling for and implementing a widespread, whole-of-society-approach to counter antisemitism as we work to shape a new future—one in which Jews can live without fear, and that is built on the democratic values that unite us all.
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Ted Deutch is the Chief Executive Officer of the American Jewish Committee.