One lesson on antisemitism reduces belief in antisemitic tropes in teens ADL study finds

A new report from the Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) Center for Antisemitism Research (CAR) indicates that a brief, 45-minute educational lesson can effectively reduce teenagers' endorsement of antisemitic conspiracy theories and tropes. The study, conducted across nine middle and high schools in a large southeastern U.S. school district, involved a randomized evaluation.

Students who participated in the lesson were found to be significantly less likely to agree with common antisemitic statements. Specifically, they were 14.4 percentage points more likely than a control group to disagree with the assertion that "Jews have too much power in the United States today." Furthermore, the lesson led to a 15.5-point reduction in the endorsement of the dual-loyalty trope, which suggests Jews are more loyal to Israel than to America.

The research also noted a decrease in the tendency for students to minimize antisemitism as an issue, with a 13.6 percentage point drop observed. Similar results were found in a separate, corroborating online experiment involving over 5,000 high school students nationwide, demonstrating the lesson's impact even among groups typically considered more resistant to changing their views.

ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt stated that the research confirms the organization's long-held belief in education as a powerful tool against antisemitism and hate. He suggested that while this lesson effectively addresses antisemitic beliefs, further content focusing on Jewish identity and peoplehood might be necessary to foster more positive broader attitudes toward Jewish people. The lesson itself, developed by ADL educational partner Echoes & Reflections, incorporates survivor testimony, group discussions, and reflection to frame antisemitism as an evolving historical pattern rather than solely a Holocaust-related issue.

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We've long believed that education is one of our most powerful tools in the fight against antisemitism and hate, and this research confirms it. As Jewish students across the country are experiencing increased antisemitism, we believe we can provide a clear, practical path forward for schools to address this scourge everywhere.