A recent study by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) has shown that almost two-thirds of American Jews now feel more unsafe in the United States than they did a year ago. This increased feeling of insecurity is linked to the rising wave of antisemitism, which, as described by the AJC’s CEO, has intensified from a low-level threat to a critical emergency.
The survey showed a significant increase of 22% in the number of American Jews who reported feeling less secure, with one-quarter stating that they had personally experienced antisemitism within the past year. As a result, nearly half of the respondents admitted to altering their behavior to avoid becoming targets of antisemitic attacks.
The fear of being targeted due to one’s religious beliefs is a testament to the urgent need for collective action against antisemitism. Reports from Jewish and Muslim civil rights and advocacy groups further support these findings, documenting a surge in bias, harassment, and physical attacks against their members.
The survey’s findings align with the record-high levels of anti-Jewish hate crimes observed in major cities in the United States. The AJC’s survey serves as a vital tool for understanding the evolving landscape of antisemitism in America and highlights the experiences and concerns of the Jewish community.
Younger Jews, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 29, were more likely to report being victims of antisemitism. Additionally, a notable finding was that 85% of American Jews consider the statement “Israel has no right to exist” to be antisemitic.
Most incidents of antisemitism occur online or on social media platforms, with only a small fraction being reported. The prevalence of such vitriolic antisemitism has left many feeling physically unsafe.
However, there is growing awareness of this issue among both American Jews and the general public, with three-fourths of the general public acknowledging that antisemitism is a problem in the United States. The Biden administration has taken steps to address this issue by releasing a national strategy to combat antisemitism.
Collaboration between various sectors of society is vital in the fight against antisemitism and all forms of hatred. By understanding the concerns and experiences of American Jews, we can work towards creating a safer and more inclusive society for all.
