More than half of Jewish Americans say they have experienced antisemitism in the past year, with many now viewing such hostility as a normal part of Jewish life, according to a report released Monday by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA).

The national survey, conducted with researchers from Columbia University and based on responses from roughly 5,000 Jewish adults, found that 55% reported at least one form of antisemitism in the past 12 months. A majority—57%—said antisemitism has become “a normal Jewish experience.”

The report follows a surge in antisemitic incidents across the United States since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The ADL documented more than 9,000 incidents of harassment, vandalism, and assault in 2024—the highest number recorded since the organization began tracking such data in 1979.

According to the study, 79% of respondents said they are concerned about antisemitism, and 48% reported taking steps to increase their personal security, including developing worst-case scenario plans (33%), making plans to leave the country (14%), or purchasing firearms (9%). About 20% of those who previously wore visible Jewish symbols, such as a Star of David or kippa, said they no longer do so.

“It is so profoundly sad that Jewish Americans are now discussing worst-case scenarios,” ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said in a statement. “When American Jews—who have built lives, careers, and families here for generations—are making contingency plans to flee, we must recognize this as a five-alarm fire for our entire country. This is not just a Jewish problem, it’s an American problem that demands immediate action from leaders at every level.”

Eighteen percent of respondents said they had been physically assaulted, threatened, or verbally harassed because of their Jewish identity, while 36% said they witnessed actual or threatened antisemitic violence. Nearly half said they had faced exclusion or minimization of their Jewish identity, including being blamed for Israel’s actions or feeling unwelcome because of their faith.

Sixty percent of respondents reported seeing antisemitic graffiti or flyers in public spaces, and 88% said they had encountered antisemitic content on social media or other platforms. Researchers also found that 41% of those who experienced direct antisemitism said it negatively affected their physical well-being.

Among those who directly experienced or witnessed antisemitism, 32% met clinical screening thresholds for anxiety, and 21% for depression—roughly double the rates of those who had not. Half of respondents said they believe most non-Jewish Americans would not stand with Jews in the event of antisemitic violence, a six-point increase from last year’s findings.

The survey also found that most victims did not report their experiences. Seventy-four percent said they never contacted any organization or authority, citing doubts that action would be taken. Of those who did, 7% contacted the ADL, 5% reached out to police, and 1% to the FBI.

Despite widespread concern, many respondents said they remain determined to push back. Sixty-eight percent said they are at least somewhat comfortable speaking publicly against antisemitism, and 84% of those who directly experienced it said it led to at least one positive change, such as a deeper connection to Jewish community (62%) or renewed spiritual faith (49%).

JFNA President and CEO Eric Fingerhut said the report shows both a rise in hate and in resilience. “Even in the face of unprecedented levels of antisemitism, we continue to see what Jewish Federations have termed ‘the Surge’—a remarkable increase in Jewish engagement and connection to community,” he said. “Rather than retreating in fear, American Jews are choosing to stand together, strengthen their bonds, and affirm their identity.”

The ADL and JFNA called on policymakers, educators, and technology companies to take stronger steps to counter antisemitism, including improved reporting mechanisms, better education, and enhanced coordination among law enforcement agencies.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)