More Antisemitism Than Ever and a Clear Answer: What 1,060 American Jews Told Us About the Threat They Face—and the Definition of Antisemitism They Overwhelmingly Want Adopted

Key Findings:

• 57% of Jewish adults reported experiencing at least one of seven forms of antisemitism during the previous year—an estimated 3.3 million adults. The most common experiences were nearby anti-Jewish graffiti or vandalism and hearing antisemitic slurs or jokes, both reported by 36%. 8% reported being physically threatened or attacked.

• Antisemitism also affected younger Jews: 21% of Jewish children ages 6–17, approximately 250,000 children, reportedly experienced antisemitism. Among college-age respondents, 24% experienced it somewhere and 17% experienced it at college.

• 59% encountered antisemitic material online, while 10% saw content directed personally at them.

• 47% had heard or read at least one of seven antisemitic tropes. This included traditional claims about Jewish money or power and newer rhetoric such as using “Zionist” as a slur for Jews or blaming American Jews for Gaza.

• The most visibly or communally engaged Jews reported greater exposure. Personal experiences were highest among Orthodox Jews (46%), those active in Jewish communal life (44%, compared with 17% among the uninvolved), and adults ages 18–29 (44%).

• 58% felt less safe than they had one year earlier. 38% avoided wearing or displaying something identifying them as Jewish, 32% avoided Jewish-identifying posts or opinions online, and 23% skipped Jewish events or observances because of fear.

• Among respondents who felt less safe and normally attended Jewish events, 46% hesitated to participate: 23% ultimately stayed home, while 22% attended despite their concerns.

• Connection to Israel remained substantial: 78% agreed that Israel is the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people, 60% felt personally attached to Israel, and 66% reported generally positive feelings toward it. At the same time, 97% agreed that Israeli government policies should be open to criticism like those of any other country.

• 50% agreed that all or most anti-Zionism is antisemitism, while 18% disagreed.

• 75% agreed that the IHRA Working Definition accurately describes antisemitism; only 4% disagreed, including 1% who strongly disagreed.

• 71% supported governments, universities, and other institutions adopting and using the IHRA definition. Support was also high for adoption by state governments (70%) and cities or counties (67%).

• The report’s primary recommendation is that governments, universities, and institutions formally adopt and apply the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. It also encourages public advocacy: 78% said they would sign a petition supporting an appropriate definition, 59% would contact an elected official, and 55% would attend a public hearing or council meeting.