Jews in smaller communities feel less heard on antisemitism concerns: survey

Jews in smaller communities are less likely to feel their concerns about antisemitism are taken seriously by law enforcement and potential allies, according to a new survey from the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). The survey, compiled from a March 2025 study, found that 22% of Jews live in small communities, defined as those with fewer than 5,000 Jews within a five-mile radius of their zip code. These communities are more common in the South or in rural and suburban areas. While the survey did not find a statistically significant difference in the antisemitism experienced by Jews in smaller versus larger communities, it revealed a disparity in how those concerns are perceived. Fifty-eight percent of Jews in small communities reported feeling more likely to be invalidated, compared to 48% of Jews overall. Confidence in local law enforcement's response to antisemitism was also lower, with only 39% of Jews in small communities believing law enforcement takes it seriously, versus 47% in larger communities. Leaders of small Jewish communities also reported feeling less physically safe in Jewish spaces. Only 60% of these leaders felt safe, compared to 86% of leaders in larger communities. The survey also noted that 50% of Jews in smaller communities report being unengaged in Jewish life, compared to 36% overall, though they expressed an equal desire for greater connection. JFNA's chief impact and growth officer, Mimi Kravetz, stated that geographic constraints and limited availability of Jewish life likely contribute to this disparity, even as Jews seek connections following the Oct. 7 attacks. Kravetz emphasized the need for more leadership infrastructure and support for Jewish life in these smaller communities.

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Jews in small communities tell us that they feel deeply concerned that they’re looking for support, that their leadership is looking for network and resources, because it can feel like they’re on their own.