A recent survey released by the Combat Anti-Semitism Movement (CAM) reveals that a significant number of American Jews have faced anti-Semitism over the past year, with many altering their behaviors due to fear. This survey came out ahead of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
Commissioned by CAM’s Center for the Study of Antisemitism, the survey found that approximately 57 percent of Jewish Americans—roughly 3.3 million adults and around 250,000 children—reported experiencing antisemitism in the last twelve months.
The results indicate that the rise in anti-Semitism is leading some individuals to conceal their identities. For instance, 38 percent of respondents admitted to hiding items that signify their Jewish identity, 32 percent avoid sharing Jewish-related content online, and 23 percent say they have skipped Jewish events due to safety concerns.
“These findings starkly illustrate that anti-Semitism is a daily challenge for Jewish Americans,” noted Aliza D. Lewin, the U.S. director of CAM. She pointed out that the more openly one identifies as Jewish, the higher the likelihood of encountering anti-Semitism, prompting many to reconsider how openly they express their Jewish identity.
The survey also showed strong backing for the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of anti-Semitism. After reviewing the definition, 71 percent agreed it accurately captures antisemitism, and over two-thirds expressed support for its adoption in educational institutions, with only 4 percent opposing it.
“The data speaks for itself. There’s a clear obligation to adopt the IHRA definition and work towards ensuring American Jews can embrace their heritage without fear,” Lewin emphasized.
This survey involved 1,060 Jewish American adults and was conducted by Dr. Ira Sheskin from the University of Miami, with an estimated margin of error of ±3.5 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level.
Feeling Less Safe
Over half of the respondents, 58 percent, reported feeling less secure than they did a year ago, while 59 percent had come across anti-Semitic content online. Additionally, 47 percent recalled hearing anti-Semitic stereotypes, with 10 percent stating that such content was directed at them personally.
The research indicates that anti-Semitism is often more prevalent among Jews who actively express their identity or engage in communal activities. The conclusion drawn by researchers was that a more visible Jewish identity correlates with higher reports of anti-Semitism.
Aaron Keyak, CAM’s special representative for international affairs and a former U.S. deputy envoy for monitoring anti-Semitism, stressed the importance of a united response to these findings. “This data reiterates what we in the Jewish community already recognize: Anti-Semitism is a grave threat that needs addressing,” he remarked.
He added, “It’s essential for everyone to treat this matter seriously and to ensure the safety of American Jews without allowing it to become a partisan issue.”
Other findings included that 8 percent of respondents reported being physically threatened or attacked because of their Jewish identity, while 36 percent witnessed anti-Semitic graffiti or vandalism, and another 36 percent heard anti-Semitic comments or jokes from acquaintances.
On a more positive note, 40 percent said that non-Jewish individuals showed solidarity with them.
This survey follows a similar one conducted by CAM in 2024, which was initiated after the October 7, 2023, attacks in southern Israel, and serves as a reference point for trends in the experience of anti-Semitism among American Jews.
Experts focused on combating anti-Semitism met at the JNS2026 International Policy Summit in Jerusalem on June 22 to strategize ways to address this historical rise in hatred since those events.
