American Jewish Opinion Regarding Anti-Semitism

Note: We are presenting raw data. When available, we provide some or all of the crosstabs (i.e., breakdowns by various categories such as party ID). To analyze the data, we encourage users to read the entire study and the methodology used. Results and reliability can be affected by such things as sample size, question wording, and question order. Responses may also be influenced by context and timing; for example, if the survey is conducted during a war.

See also 

• American Attitudes Toward the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement
• American Public Opinion On Religious Discrimination
• Polls Regarding Anti-Semitism in the United States
• American Jewish Students and Anti-Semitism

Is there a great deal of anti-Semitism on campuses or has this been exaggerated? (Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll,  May 15-16, 2024)

Do you think Jewish students are safe on campuses and can openly wear Jewish stars and other symbols of being Jewish or would that be unsafe right now? (Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll,  May 15-16, 2024)

Are the leaders of private higher-education institutions doing enough to prevent antisemitism and hatred of Jews on university campuses today or not? (Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll,  May 15-16, 2024)

Should students and professors who call for violence towards Jews be suspended from these institutions or not? (Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll,  May 15-16, 2024)

Should students and professors who engage in violent antisemitic protests be suspended from these institutions or not? (Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll,  May 15-16, 2024)

Are our institutions of higher learning functioning well or is there a problem with what they are teaching kids today? (Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll,  May 15-16, 2024)

Is the problem with higher learning institutions any of the following... [Among those who think there is a problem with what higher learning institutions are teaching] (Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll,  May 15-16, 2024)

How concerned are you for your or your family’s future as an American Jew as of what you have seen in the campus demonstrations? (JCPA, May 9-11, 2024)

Do you think anti-Semitism in the United States is currently a very serious problem, somewhat of a problem, or not a problem at all? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020, September 11 - October 6, 2019, September 1-October 3, 2021, October 5-November 21, 2023, March 12-April 6, 2024)

*Alternative wording: How much of a problem, if at all, do you think anti-Semitism is in the United States today?

In the past few months, have you removed items that might identify you as Jewish, such as a mezuzah at your front door, kippa (yarmulke), or a chain or bracelet with a Star of David or chai symbol? [Of individuals who wear something distinctive] (Benenson Strategy Group for JFNA, February 23-March 12, 2024)

Over the past 12 months, have you:  (Benenson Strategy Group for JFNA, February 23-March 12, 2024).

Over the past 12 months, have you: (Benenson Strategy Group for JFNA, February 23-March 12, 2024).

In the past month, how often have you been worried about your personal safety because of your race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, or other defining personal characteristics? (Benenson Strategy Group for JFNA, February 23-March 12, 2024).

(Of anyone who indicated they experienced antisemitism) Did you report the attack(s) to any of the following? (Benenson Strategy Group for JFNA, February 23-March 12, 2024).

Please tell us how much discrimination there is against Jews in our society today. [% A lot or some] (Pew, February 13-25, 2024)

% who say that, since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, discrimination has increased against Jews in our society (Pew, February 13-25, 2024)

Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, have you personally felt offended because of...  [% Yes] (Pew, February 13-25, 2024)

Have you stopped talking to someone in person or unfollowed or blocked someone online because of something they said about the Israel-Hamas war? [% Yes] (Pew, February 13-25, 2024)

Regardless of your own opinions, do you think people in the U.S. should be allowed to express each of the following in public, even if it might offend others? [% should be allowed] (Pew, February 13-25, 2024)

Do you view the statement, “Israel has no right to exist,” as anti-Semitic or not? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020, September 11 - October 6, 2019, September 1-October 3, 2021, October 5-November 21, 2023)

Do you view the statement, “American Jews stick together more than other Americans,” as antisemitic or not? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

Do you view the statement, “Jews in the United States have too much power,” as antisemitic or not? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

To what extent, if at all, have these [October 7, 2023] terrorist attacks in Israel made you feel less safe as a Jewish person in the U.S.? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

Over the past five years, do you think anti-Semitism in the United States has… (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020, September 11 - October 6, 2019, September 1-October 3, 2021, Pew, Nov. 19, 2019-June 3, 2020, AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

Compared to a year ago, is the status of Jews in the United States more secure or less secure? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020, September 11 - October 6, 2019, September 1-October 3, 2021, October 5-November 21, 2023)

In your opinion, is antisemitism taken more seriously, less seriously, or is it considered to be the same as other forms of hate and bigotry? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

Over the past 12 months, have you seen or heard any antisemitic content (such as comments or posts) online or on social media? This could be something directed at you, personally, or something you’ve observed? (AJC, September 1-October 3, 2021, October 5-November 21, 2023)

Wording in 2021: Over the past 12 months, have you, yourself, been the target of an anti-Semitic remark or post online or through social media?

Where did you see or hear an antisemitic remark or post in the past 12 months? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

*Respondents were asked to not include news stories reporting on antisemitic incidents.

Did you report this incident or any of these incidents to this social media or online platform(s)? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

Did this online incident or any of these online incidents make you feel physically threatened​​​​​​? (AJC, September 1-October 3, 2021)

Wording in 2021: Did your experience with anti-Semitism online make you feel physically threatened?

As a user of a social media or online platform(s), how important is it to you, if at all, that social media companies explicitly cover antisemitism in the platform(s)’s terms of service and community standards? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

As a user of a social media or online platform(s), how important is it to you, if at all, that social media companies make it easy to specifically report antisemitism? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

Which statement comes closer to your view, even if neither is exactly right? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

Over the past 12 months, have you, yourself, been the target of an antisemitic attack in person, during which the attacker physically touched you? (AJC, September 1-October 3, 2021, October 5-November 21, 2023)

Wording in 2021: Over the past 12 months, have you, yourself, been the target of an anti-Semitic physical attack?

Over the past 12 months, have you, yourself, been the target of an antisemitic remark in person? (AJC, September 1-October 3, 2021, October 5-November 21, 2023)

Over the past 12 months, if you, yourself, were the target of antisemitic remark in person, did you report this incident, or any of these incidents? (AJC, September 1-October 3, 2021)

Wording in 2021: If you were the target of an anti-Semitic remark or post in the past 12 months did you report it?

Over the past 12 months, have you, yourself, been the target of antisemitic vandalism to, or messaging (such as flyers or pamphlets) left on your personal property?  (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

In the past 12 months, have you avoided publicly wearing, carrying, or displaying things that might help people identify you as a Jew out of fear of anti-Semitism? (AJC, September 1-October 3, 2021, October 5-November 21, 2023)

In the past 12 months, have you avoided certain places, events, or situations out of concern for your safety or comfort as a Jew out of fear of anti-Semitism? (AJC, September 1-October 3, 2021, October 5-November 21, 2023)

Did hearing about the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack make you feel a great deal, a fair amount, or a little less safe as a Jewish person in the United States? [of those who heard at least a little about the attack]* (American Jewish Committee, October 5 - November 21, 2023)

*Not exact question wording.

How concerned are you, if at all, that generative artificial intelligence (AI) or automated systems, such as ChatGPT, spread misinformation about Jews? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

How concerned are you, if at all, that generative artificial intelligence (AI) or automated systems, such as ChatGPT, show bias against Israel? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

Have you avoided posting content online that would identify you as a Jew or reveal your views on Jewish issues? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020, October 5-November 21, 2023)

How important is it to you that public schools invest more resources in teaching age-appropriate lessons about the Holocaust for all students? (AJC,  October 5-November 21, 2023)

How important is it to you, if at all, that statewide studies are conducted to assess how effectively public school districts are teaching the Holocaust? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

How important is it to you, if at all, that state and local governments include contemporary antisemitism in public school curricula? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

How important is it to you, if at all, that state and local governments include Jewish studies within the ethnic studies or history curricula in public schools? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

Over the past five years, have any Jewish institutions with which you are affiliated been targets of antisemitism? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

In the past five years, have any of the Jewish institutions you are affiliated with increased security measures or is security about the same? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

Thinking about when you attend any of the Jewish institutions with which you are affiliated, how safe, if at all, do you feel with regards to antisemitism (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

How effective do you think law enforcement is in responding to the security needs of Jews? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

How strongly do you approve or disapprove of the way President Biden is responding to antisemitism in the United States? (AJC, September 1-October 3, 2021, October 5-November 21, 2023)

Wording in 2021: Do you approve or disapprove of the way President Biden is responding to anti-Semitism in the United States?

How strongly do you approve or disapprove of the way Congress is responding to antisemitism in the United States? (AJC, September 1-October 3, 2021, October 5-November 21, 2023)

Wording in 2021: Do you approve or disapprove of the way Congress is responding to anti-Semitism in the United States?

Do you approve or disapprove of the way state and local governments are responding to anti-Semitism in the United States? (AJC, September 1-October 3, 2021, October 5-November 21, 2023)

In the past 12 months have you ever avoided expressing your views on Israel in your workplace or with colleagues because of fears of antisemitism? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

In the past 12 months have you ever avoided wearing, carrying, or displaying something that would identify you as Jewish in your workplace or around colleagues because of fears of antisemitism? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

Thinking about your workplace, have you ever felt or been excluded because you are Jewish? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

Thinking about your workplace, have you ever felt or been excluded because of your assumed or actual connection to Israel? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

In the past 12 months have you ever been told you could not take time off for Jewish holidays? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

In the past 12 months have you ever felt uncomfortable or unsafe in your workplace because of your Jewish identity? (AJC, October 5-November 21, 2023)

How concerned are you about anti-Semitism in the U.S. today? (Ruderman Family Foundation, October 11-November 1, 2021, November 5

-9, 2023)

For each of the items below, how serious of a problem do you think this is in the United States? (Ruderman Family Foundation, October 11-November 1, 2021, November 5-9, 2023)

For each of the items below, how serious of a problem do you think this is on college campuses in the United States? (Ruderman Family Foundation, October 11-November 1, 2021, November 5-9, 2023)

Below is a list of current issues in the United States. For each one, please indicate how much, if at all, you personally worry about this issue.​​​​​ (Keren Keshet, November 4, 2022, to January 2, 2023)

Thinking about the country as a whole, how much anti-Semitism do you think there is in the United States today? (Keren Keshet, November 4, 2022, to January 2, 2023)

And compared with five years ago, do you think there is… (Keren Keshet, November 4, 2022, to January 2, 2023)

How concerned are you about anti-Semitism in the US? (Jewish Electorate Institute, June 28-July 1, 2021, March 28-April 3, 2022)

 Who do you trust more to fight anti-Semitism? (Jewish Electorate Institute, March 28-April 3, 2022)

How much anti-Semitism do you think there is in the United States?  (Ruderman Family Foundation, October 11-November 1, 2021)

Are you more concerned about anti-Semitism that originates from left-wing groups and individuals or anti-Semitism that originates from right-wing groups and individuals? (Jewish Electorate Institute, June 28-July 1, 2021)

Overall, do you feel more safe, less safe, or no difference as a Jewish person living in America since Joe Biden became President? (Jewish Electorate Institute, June 28-July 1, 2021)

Below are some statements about Israel. For each one, do you agree or disagree with the statement? If you disagree, do you believe the statement is anti-Semitic or is not anti-Semitic? (Jewish Electorate Institute, June 28-July 1, 2021)

Have you, your immediate family, or a friend experienced anti-Semitism over the past five years?  (Ruderman Family Foundation, October 11-November 1, 2021)

Compared with five years ago, do you think there is more anti-Semitism in the U.S. today, less anti-Semitism in the U.S. today, or about the same amount? (Ruderman Family Foundation, October 11-November 1, 2021)

How much, if anything, have you heard about the Boycott Divestment sanctions movement, or BDS, against Israel?  (Ruderman Family Foundation, October 11-November 1, 2021)

Do you support or oppose the BDS movement against Israel?  (Ruderman Family Foundation, October 11-November 1, 2021)

Do you view the statement, “The Holocaust has been exaggerated,” as anti-Semitic or not? (AJC, September 1-October 3, 2021)

Do you view the statement, “American Jews are more loyal to Israel than to America,” as anti-Semitic or not? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020, September 11 - October 6, 2019, September 1-October 3, 2021)

In your opinion, is anti-Semitism taken more seriously, less seriously, or is it considered to be the same as other forms of hate and bigotry? (AJC, September 1-October 3, 2021)

On which platform were you the target of an anti-Semitic remark or post in the past 12 months? (AJC, September 1-October 3, 2021)

Did the social media platform remove any of the content you reported? (AJC, September 1-October 3, 2021)

Over the past 12 months, have you, yourself, been the target of an anti-Semitic remark in person? (AJC, September 1-October 3, 2021)

Over the past 12 months, have you, yourself, been the target of an anti-Semitic remark or post online or through social media? (AJC, September 1-October 3, 2021)

Over the past 12 months, if you, yourself, were the target of an anti-Semitic remark online or on social media, did you report this incident or any of these incidents? (AJC, September 1-October 3, 2021)

Over the past 12 months, if you, yourself, were the target of an anti-Semitic remark in person, did you report this incident or any of these incidents? (AJC, September 1-October 3, 2021)

How much, if anything, have you heard about Jews being attacked in the United States and around the world in May 2021 during the conflict between Israel and Hamas? (AJC, September 1-Octoberf 3, 2021))

To what extent, if at all, has hearing about these attacks on Jews made you feel less safe as a Jewish person in the United States? (AJC, September 1-October 3, 2021)

Have any Jewish institutions with which you are affiliated been targets of anti-Semitism? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020, September 11 - October 6, 2019, September 1-October 3, 2021**)

**Over the past five years, have any Jewish institutions with which you are affiliated been targets of anti-Semitism?

How effective do you think law enforcement is in responding to the security needs of Jews? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020, September 11 - October 6, 2019, September 1-October 3, 2021 )

Do you approve or disapprove of the way the Democratic Party is responding to anti-Semitism in the United States? (AJC, September 1-October 3, 2021)

Do you approve or disapprove of the way the Republican Party is responding to anti-Semitism in the United States? (AJC, September 1-October 3, 2021)

In your view, how much of an anti-Semitic threat does the extreme political right represent in the United States today? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020, September 11 - October 6, 2019, September 1-October 3, 2021)

In your view, how much of an anti-Semitic threat does the extreme political left represent in the United States today? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020, September 11 - October 6, 2019, September 1-October 3, 2021)

In your view, how much of an anti-Semitic threat does extremism in the name of Islam represent in the United States today? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020, September 11 - October 6, 2019, September 1-October 3, 2021)

In your view, how much of an anti-Semitic threat do individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups represent in the United States today? (AJC, September 1-October 3, 2021)

How familiar are you with the BDS movement? (American Jewish Committee, Jews September 9-October 4, general public September 15-20, 2020; September 1 – October 3, 2021)

Do you view the BDS movement as anti-Semitic? (American Jewish Committee, Jews September 9-October 4, general public September 15-20, 2020; September 1 – October 3, 2021)

Over the past five years, do you think anti-Semitism on college campuses has... (AJC, September 1 – October 3, 2021)

How much of a problem, if at all, do you think anti-Semitism from the far right is for Jewish college students in the United States today? (AJC, September 1 – October 3, 2021)

How much of a problem, if at all, do you think anti-Semitism from the far left is for Jewish college students in the United States today? (AJC, September 1 – October 3, 2021)

How much of a problem, if at all, do you think anti-Israel campaigns, such as the BDS movement, is for Jewish college students in the United States today? (AJC, September 1 – October 3, 2021)

Over the past five years, have you or has anyone you know experienced anti-Semitism in a college setting? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020, September 11 - October 6, 2019)

**Earlier wording: Over the past five years, have you or anyone you know experienced anti-Semitism on a college campus?

How much have you heard about the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement regarding Israel? (Pew, Nov. 19, 2019-June 3, 2020)

Generally speaking, do you support or oppose the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement? [Asked of the 55% who heard a lot/some about BDS] (Pew, Nov. 19, 2019-June 3, 2020)

Reason for more anti-Semitism... (Pew, Nov. 19, 2019-June 3, 2020)

As a Jewish person in the United States, do you personally feel ____ compared with five years ago? (Pew, Nov. 19, 2019-June 3, 2020)

Percentage of U.S. Jewish who say they have experienced each of the following in the past 12 months. (Pew, Nov. 19, 2019-June 3, 2020)

Anti-Semitism and Anti-Zionism (JCPA, 2020)

Bi-partisan political support for Israel is just as important as bi-partisan support against anti-Semitism. (JCPA, 2020)

When it comes to anti-Semitism in the United States, in general, would you say that it predominantly stems from individuals identified with the political Right, with the political Left, equally from both, or would you say it is related to social/cultural/ethnic factors and not political ideology at all? (JCPA, 2020)

Over the past five years, have you, yourself, been the target of an anti-Semitic physical attack? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020, September 11 - October 6, 2019)

Over the past five years, have you been the target of an anti-Semitic physical attack, an anti-Semitic remark in person, by mail, or by phone, or an anti-Semitic remark online or through social media? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020)

Over the past five years, have you, yourself, been the target of an anti-Semitic remark online or through social media? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020, September 11 - October 6, 2019)

Over the past five years, have you been the target of an anti-Semitic remark in person, by mail, or by phone? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020, September 11 - October 6, 2019)

Over the past five years, if you, yourself, were the target of an anti-Semitic attack or remark, did you report this incident or any of these incidents? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020, September 11 - October 6, 2019)

On which social media platform(s) were you the target of an anti-Semitic attack or remark? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020)

Did the social media or online service you reported the incident to take any steps to respond to your report? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020)

Over the past five years, have you or anyone you know experienced anti-Semitism on a college campus? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020, September 11 - October 6, 2019)

Compared to a year ago, is the climate on college campuses toward pro-Israel students less hostile, more hostile, or about the same as a year ago? (AJC, September 11 - October 6, 2019)

Do you ever avoid certain places, events, or situations out of concern for your safety or comfort as a Jew? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020, September 11 - October 6, 2019)

Have you avoided visiting Jewish institutions or participating in Jewish events because you would not feel safe there? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020)

Over the past two years, have you avoided publicly wearing, carrying, or displaying things that might help people identify you as a Jew? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020, September 11 - October 6, 2019*)

*2019 - Did not ask over past two years.

Have any Jewish institutions with which you are affiliated been targets of anti-Semitism? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020, September 11 - October 6, 2019)

In response to the Tree of Life synagogue shooting, have any of the Jewish institutions you are affiliated with increased security measures or is security about the same? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020)

Have any Jewish institutions with which you are affiliated hired security guards? (AJC, September 11 - October 6, 2019)

Have any Jewish institutions with which you are affiliated had police posted on site or outside? (AJC, September 11 - October 6, 2019)

Have any Jewish institutions with which you are affiliated trained or informed members on how to respond to an attack? (AJC, September 11 - October 6, 2019)

To what extent, if at all, do you think the Democratic Party holds anti-Semitic views? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020)

To what extent, if at all, do you think the Republican Party holds anti-Semitic views? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020)

Do you view the statement, “The U.S. government only supports Israel because of Jewish money,” as anti-Semitic or not? (AJC, Jews September 9-October 4, 2020, September 11 - October 6, 2019)

Do you approve or disapprove of the way President Trump is handling the threat of anti-Semitism in the United States? (AJC, September 11 - October 6, 2019)