There was a significant shift toward hate among Americans in the last year, as antisemitic beliefs became more overt than ever. That’s the central finding from FCAS’ ongoing research study, “Stand Up to Jewish Hate: The US Antisemitism Landscape Survey,” based on a nationwide sample of 8,600 US adults.

 

Through a series of questions on beliefs about Jews, attitudes on the seriousness of antisemitism, and beliefs in anti-Jewish tropes, we have uncovered the following segments of US adults. The survey reveals an alarming one-year decline in Allies (those well-informed about antisemitism and already activated to stand up to it) and a large increase in Haters (clearly prejudiced against Jews and often outspoken about it).

In the most recent June 2024 survey, antisemitic attitudes became more overt, moving beyond unconscious biases and less insidious misinformation. Exemplifying that shift were the 21% of US adults who admitted to believing Jews are at least somewhat a threat to the unity of American society, that figure nearly doubling in just one year. The survey also found an increase in Americans thinking Jews cause problems in the world, and those who think issues around antisemitism are blown out of proportion (39% up from 28% a year earlier).

 

This overall shift toward hate was visible across demographic groups, but especially apparent among younger Americans. 32% of 18-to-29-year-olds are now in the Haters or Leaning Haters category, up 13 points in one year.

 

The report also found that there are messages that are effective in breaking through the misinformation and changing perspectives. Read the report to see the messages that can make a difference.

Last week, former President Donald Trump made several remarks suggesting that if he loses the next election, Jewish voters would be largely to blame. He also expressed disbelief that any Jewish person would vote for Vice President Kamala Harris, calling the choice to support her “irrational.”

 

The backlash on social media following Trump’s comments was intense, with over 270,000 mentions reaching up to 400 million people. Many users criticized his remarks as reinforcing harmful stereotypes and inciting hostility toward Jewish Americans. One user expressed, “It sounded like a threat. That's a nice Jewish community you have there; it would be a shame if something happened to it.” Another added, “Any Jew that continues to support Trump is out of their mind,” while a third lamented, “Republicans are gaslighting American Jewish voters. It’s time to stop the obfuscation and deflection.”

 

Conversely, some users defended Trump, with one saying, “I do not care what partisan politicians say. Trump has always supported us Jews. And we support him. Trump 2024! Make Jews safe again!” One added, “You’re just mad because he actually supports us.” Another person stated, “Trump signed an executive order during his first term making antisemitic offenses illegal under the Civil Rights Act. That’s who Trump is. Keep crying wolf.” 

 

All of these posts illustrate the divided opinions on social media regarding his comments and their implications for the Jewish community.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported that antisemitic hate crimes in the United States increased by 63% in 2023, reaching an all-time high of 1,832 incidents. Jewish people, who account for only 2.4% of the American population, were the most targeted religious group in the country: antisemitic hate crimes accounted for 68% of all US religious-based hate crimes. Additionally, Jews were the second most targeted group in the United States, behind Black Americans, and antisemitic hate crimes accounted for 15% of all hate crimes in 2023.

 

According to the report, antisemitic hate crimes spiked following the October 7 attack on Israel and the ensuing war. FBI statistics reveal a 232% increase in reported antisemitic hate crimes between September and October of 2023. Further, the number of reported antisemitic hate crimes between October and December almost equaled the number of reported incidents in all other months of 2023 combined.

 

On social media, conversation about the report was driven in large part by people who are actively engaged in raising awareness about antisemitism. Users cited the FBI report as further data to show the rise in antisemitism in 2023 and the lived experiences of American Jews. Others pointed out that hate crimes are typically underreported and the FBI data may be under-representing the scale of antisemitic incidents in the United States.

A report commissioned by Governor Kathy Hochul revealed serious shortcomings in how the City University of New York (CUNY) addresses antisemitism, and urged an overhaul of its policies. The report acknowledged that while only a small minority of the campus population engages in antisemitic behavior, incidents of hatred have risen sharply, often fueled by campus activism around Israel-Palestine issues. The report highlights a lack of oversight across CUNY’s 25 campuses in handling complaints. Key recommendations include the creation of a center to combat hate, better training for diversity officers, and stronger security measures to prevent protest-related disruptions.

 

The report comes amid heightened concerns about antisemitism on CUNY campuses, as highlighted by recent incidents shared by Jewish student leaders in a roundtable with Mayor Eric Adams and Rep. Richie Torres. Students reported facing increased hostility, including protests and threats, emphasizing the urgency for more robust protections.

 

Reactions to the report have been mixed. While many praised its recommendations, others criticized it for downplaying the severity of antisemitic incidents. CUNY professor Jeffrey Lax, a vocal critic, expressed disappointment, accusing the report of glossing over issues like biased leadership and neglecting to define antisemitism clearly. Lax argued that without addressing leadership and adopting a clear definition of antisemitism, the report’s recommendations will have limited impact.

 

 

 

 

FCAS is a nonpartisan, registered 501c3 non-profit organization. We do not support any political party or candidate. We never endorse candidates for office. We do call on everyone, regardless of political affiliation, to support the fight against Jewish hate and all hate.

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