According to poll results from organizations including Anti-Defamation League, American Jewish Committee, and Boundless Israel:
Over half (55%) of Jewish Americans reported experiencing some form of antisemitism in the past year, and 57% believe antisemitism is now a "normal Jewish experience."
Forty-two percent of Jewish Americans reported avoiding publicly wearing, carrying, or displaying anything that might identify them as Jewish in the past year, up from 26% in a similar 2023 poll. Many are worried about personal safety, with 14% developing a plan to flee the country in a worst-case scenario.
Younger voters (Gen Z and Millennials) are more likely to hold anti-Israel views and agree with statements considered antisemitic than older generations. However, most young people still reject anti-Jewish propositions, and there is a broad consensus against antisemitism among the general populace.
Antisemitism is commonly experienced online (41%), in public spaces (21%), in educational institutions (13%), and in workplaces (9%).
"I think we ought to oppose it on every front," Dr. Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Dallas told AFN. "This antisemitism is actually coming from some on the right, and there's somewhat of a fracture among conservatives in America over the nation of Israel."
Antisemitism has been an issue for centuries, but it's ramped up in recent years, especially on college campuses. It's also an issue in the business world with anti-Israel people calling for companies to boycott, divest, and sanction (BDS) Israel. Those protesting Israel take issue with its response to the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attack. That’s when Hamas terrorists killed more than 1,200 men, women and children.
"Israel didn't attack Gaza, Gaza attacked Israel," said Jeffress. "Hamas, who Gaza chose to be their ruling organization, they attacked Israel from Gaza on October 7th. They did unspeakable acts to the Jewish people, and the Jewish people have every right to defend themselves and to be on the right side of Israel is not only to be on the right side of history, but it's on the right side of God."
Podcasters have also taken issue with Israel and the support Christians, namely evangelicals, have for the state and the Jewish people. Jeffress had a message for them as well.
"Tucker Carlson and other so-called conservative pundits who are attacking evangelical Christians for supporting Israel ought to be ashamed of themselves," said Jeffress.
