By Howard M. Riell
Americans Jews are afraid.
An unprecedented survey conducted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) reveals deep concern about antisemitism in the United States and widespread fear that it is increasing.
The findings from the AJC survey—the largest and most comprehensive ever on the subject of antisemitism in America—were released days before the first anniversary of the deadly attack on three congregations inside the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, which claimed the lives of 11 Jewish worshipers on October 27, 2018.
Nearly nine out of ten American Jews (88%) say antisemitism is a problem in the U.S. today, with more than a third (38%) calling it a very serious problem. 84% say antisemitism in the U.S. has increased – and a plurality, 43%, say it has increased a lot – over the past five years, AJC said in a release.
“These views are consistent across age cohorts, Jewish denominations, and political affiliations. 84% of Ultra-Orthodox (Haredi), 80% of Modern Orthodox, 91% of Conservative, 94% of Reform, 92% of Reconstructionist, and 87% of secular Jews say antisemitism in the U.S. today is a very serious or somewhat of a problem, as do more than nine in ten (93%) Democrats, 87% of independents, and three quarters (75%) of Republicans.”
“American Jews could not be clearer about the reality of antisemitism in the U.S.,” said AJC CEO David Harris. “Our survey provides, for the first time, an in-depth assessment of American Jewish perceptions of, and experiences with, antisemitism in their own country. This hatred is real, comes from multiple sources, and is growing. It needs to be taken seriously and dealt with in a sustained, multi-pronged response.”
Nearly a third, 31%, of the Jews polled have avoided publicly wearing, carrying or displaying things that might help people identify them as Jews. 25% avoid certain places, events, or situations at least some of time out of concern for their safety or comfort as Jews, the organization said. One-third of American Jews say Jewish institutions with which they are affiliated have been targeted by antisemitic attacks, graffiti, or threats.
“While American Jews agree that law enforcement is effective in responding to the Jewish security needs, few victims of antisemitism report them to the police.
“The AJC survey found an American Jewish community generally concerned that elected officials are not doing all that can and should be done to fight antisemitism in the U.S. effectively,” the group reported. Fully 72% of respondents disapproved of President Trump’s handling of the threat of antisemitism in America, compared to only 24% who expressed approval. Responses diverged along political party lines. Some 84% of Republicans approve (49% strongly), while only 4% of Democrats approve, of the president’s handling of antisemitism. On the other hand, 92% of Democrats disapprove (82% strongly), while only 11% of Republicans disapprove (7% strongly).
