Majority of American Jews experienced antisemitism over past year, CAM survey shows - study

A significant majority of American Jews have encountered antisemitism in the past year, according to a study released by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM). The research indicates a pervasive issue affecting the daily lives and sense of safety within the Jewish community.

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The more openly Jewish you are, the more likely you are to experience antisemitism. Unsurprisingly, as a result, Jews are changing their behavior and thinking twice about how openly Jewish to be.

The study, which surveyed 1,060 Jewish American adults, found that 57% reported experiencing Jew-hatred. This heightened sense of insecurity is reflected in the fact that 58% of participants felt less safe compared to the previous year. The impact of this hostility has led many to alter their behavior, with 38% admitting to visibly hiding their Jewish identity and 32% concealing it online.

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The data is clear. The mandate is clear. It’s time to adopt the IHRA definition and get to work protecting the ability of Jews in America to openly, proudly and safely embrace their Jewish shared ancestry, history, and heritage.

Online spaces appear to be a significant venue for such incidents, as over half of those surveyed reported experiencing antisemitism online, and nearly half encountered or witnessed antisemitic tropes. This fear has also extended to participation in communal life, with 23% of respondents, representing approximately 1.2 million individuals, skipping Jewish-related events due to safety concerns.

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Antisemitism is a threat that must be addressed with the seriousness that such a deadly reality demands. It is incumbent on all of us not to make this a partisan issue and to actually take measures to make American Jews safer.

CAM President of US Affairs Alyza D. Lewin described the findings as a "stark reminder" of antisemitism's impact. She noted a correlation between the visibility of one's Jewish identity and the likelihood of experiencing antisemitism. The study also revealed strong support for the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, with 71% of respondents deeming it accurate. CAM's Special Representative on International Affairs, Aaron Keyak, emphasized the need for serious action to address this threat, urging a non-partisan approach to enhance the safety of American Jews.

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As it gets more and more extreme on the left and on the right, the antisemites come to converge on their views of Jews, even though they disagree about every other policy and political issue.