Antisemitism in the United States

Distribution of Combined Jewish Identity/Shared Fate Index

(Highest Scores Had Top Respones for Both Questions)

Antisemitism in the United States

An overwhelming majority see antisemitism rising and are very concerned

Almost all American Jews (94%) see at least some Antisemitism in the United States, and a 55% majority perceive “a lot” of Antisemitism. This nearly universal view that there is antisemitism in the U.S. extends across demographics, with 94% among the non-denominational, and 90% even among those in the bottom tier of the Jewish Identity index referenced in the previous section. There are some differences in intensity, with 62% of seniors seeing “a lot” of antisemitism, compared to 52% among younger Jews. Only 44% of Orthodox Jews see a lot of antisemitism, less than other denominations, and those without a denomination (50%).

Over four in ten had experienced antisemitism. Most have not experienced antisemitism directly, but 42% say it has been directed at them, their friends, or immediate family in the last five years. This is somewhat higher among younger Jews, 52% of whom have had this direct or indirect experience with antisemitism, compared to only 36% of seniors. Although older Jews presumably have had more years within which to have experienced antisemitism, this question was only regarding the last five years.

More observant Jews are more likely to have had this first- or second-hand experience: a majority of Conservative (56%) and Orthodox (57%) Jews have had a personal experience, compared to 39% of Reform and only 31% of non-denominational Jews.

Most see a concerning increase in antisemitism, and two-thirds see it as a big concern for themselves

Three-quarters feel there has been an increase in antisemitism in the United States, compared with five years ago. This feeling is fairly consistent across demographics.

Compared to five years ago, do you think there is more antisemitism, less antisemitism or the same amount in the U.S. today?

Orthodox Jews are more likely to see an increase (84%), whereas Conservative, Reform, and non-denominational Jews consistently are within the 73%-76% range. Similarly, seniors are slightly more likely to see an increase (83%), but even among those under 40 years old, over two-thirds (68%) do see an increase. Those who have experienced antisemitism over the past five years are more likely to see an increase (83%), but even among those who have no such recent experience, 69% see an increase.

The data clearly points to antisemitism being a major concern for U.S. Jews. Nearly two-thirds (65%) see it as a big concern, and one in five say it is one of their biggest concerns. The more observant, older Jews, those with a higher Jewish Identity Index, and those who have personally experienced antisemitism are more likely to see it as a bigger concern.

The concept of shared fate with other American Jews reflected in the Jewish identity index discussed earlier is useful here. Among those with the highest Jewish identity index, 84% say antisemitism is a big concern, with most of them (43%) saying it is one of their biggest concerns. Among those on the lower and bottom rungs of the index, those saying antisemitism is a big concern are only in single-digit ranges.

This connection between Jewish identity and concern about antisemitism is not necessarily a causal link. As explained later, few see antisemitism as a reason or motivation to get more involved in community organizations.

Engagement with Jewish Communal Institutions

Valuing Jewish identity does not necessarily translate into valuing Jewish communal institutions. In the 2019 survey, 81% said that being Jewish was at least somewhat important to them, yet only 58% said that it was at least somewhat important to feel connected to community organizations. The comparison is even more striking in the case of those with the strongest feelings. Although 46% said that being Jewish was very important to them, only 21% considered it very important to be connected to institutions and organizations in the Jewish community. Even among those who felt that being Jewish was important to them, 31% felt that it was not important to feel connected to the community.

How important is it for you to personally feel a connection to institutions and organizations in the Jewish community?