Antisemitism Today (en Español)

Antisemitism is a topic that has been in the news and is something important to explore and understand. From news stories about vandalism and hate crimes, to celebrities spewing frightening claims and vitriol about Jewish people, to the antisemitic tropes we see in our social media feeds — antisemitism is all around us.  

What is Antisemitism?

Antisemitism is the marginalization and/or oppression of people who are Jewish based on the belief in stereotypes and myths about Jewish people, Judaism and Israel. Antisemitism is a system of bias. This means that antisemitism is part of, and embedded into, all elements of society. Being a system of bias means that antisemitism is present not only in recent times, but has also existed throughout history. Antisemitism can be seen in the rules, laws and institutions (e.g., education, workplace, the media, etc.) of our society. Systemic antisemitism means that Jewish people experience certain vulnerabilities (mistreatment, disrespect, harm) while those who aren’t Jewish aren’t as susceptible to those vulnerabilities and harms. Antisemitism can also show up and be seen in interpersonal communication and behavior (e.g., slurs, bullying, stereotypes, offensive language and “jokes") that maintains and supports these inequities and marginalization. 

Antisemitism is a U.S. and global phenomenon and can take place in different ways, including: stereotypes and attitudes about Jewish people, scapegoating, name-calling and bullying, online expressions of bias and hate, swastikas and other hate symbols scrawled in public spaces, antisemitic words and language, vandalism in synagogues and Jewish cemeteries, workplace and school-based discrimination and disadvantages, hate crimes like the 2018 mass shooting and murders at the Tree of Life Synagogue, and other violent and deadly hate crimes.  

Antisemitism is not only about demeaning and attacking the Jewish community. It is also a symptom of broader issues in society. Individuals who hold ideologies of hatred against the Jewish people will often hold harmful beliefs about other groups who are marginalized. 

Antisemitic Incidents, Attitudes and Language

ADL has tracked antisemitic incidents in the U.S. since 1979. The annual audit of reported incidents compiles data on assaults, vandalism and harassment in every U.S. state and the District of Columbia. In 2023, ADL recorded 8,873 antisemitic incidents throughout the U.S. This is a 400% increase from incidents tabulated in 2022 and the highest number on record since ADL began tracking antisemitic incidents. The findings include 1,162 incidents at non-Jewish K-12 schools and 922 incidents at colleges and universities.  

Antisemitism also shows up in attitudes, beliefs and tropes (common or recurring patterns, messages and devices that repeat throughout history) about Jewish people. Because these attitudes and beliefs are so widely accepted in our culture, they can be difficult to challenge or disrupt. A 2022 study reveals that 85% of people in the U.S.--or more than 8 in 10 – believe at least one anti-Jewish trope. This is a steep increase over the 61% found in the 2019 study. Further, 20% of Americans believe six or more tropes. These tropes include such statements as “Jews go out of their way to hire Jews,” “Jews have too much power in the business world,” “Jews are more loyal to Israel than America,” and others.  

What we hear from those with the largest megaphones—politicians, celebrities and social and other media – can impact and influence our beliefs and attitudes. A 2023 ADL survey found that between one-fifth and one-third of those polled reported hearing anti-Jewish comments “often” or “sometimes” from political, cultural and media sources. Respondents also reported hearing such comments much less frequently from family, friends and religious surroundings. It is worth noting, however, that comments from family, friends and religious surrounds are very influential.  

The combination of all these factors – antisemitic incidents, antisemitic comments and negative rhetoric, and deeply rooted beliefs and attitudes – contribute to a culture and mindset of antisemitism that surrounds all of us and can be overwhelming, harmful and dangerous to individuals and society.   

How Bias and Hate Escalate

The Pyramid of Hate illustrates the prevalence of bias, hate and oppression in our society. It is organized in escalating levels of attitudes and behavior that grow in complexity from bottom to top. Like a pyramid, the upper levels are supported by the lower levels. Unlike a pyramid, the levels are not built consecutively or to demonstrate a ranking of each level. Bias at each level reflects a system of oppression that negatively impacts individuals, institutions and society. Unchecked bias can become “normalized” and contribute to a pattern of accepting discrimination, violence and injustice in society. When we challenge biased attitudes within ourselves, others and society, we can interrupt the normalization of bias and make it more difficult for discrimination and harm to take place. The Pyramid of Hate can compel us to confront and challenge bias in order to foster a more inclusive, just and equitable community and society.

Engage in the Conversation

Age 

12 and up 

Questions to Start the Conversation 

• Have you seen or heard anything in the news lately that relates to antisemitism (e.g., incidents, hate crimes, comments, attitudes, etc.)? What did you hear and how do you feel about what you heard? 

• Have you seen or heard about antisemitism or antisemitic incidents taking place in your school, community, the news or online? What happened and how did people respond? 

• What are your thoughts about why antisemitic incidents are increasing? 

• How do you think the increase in antisemitism impacts people who are Jewish?

• How do you think the increase in antisemitism impacts others and society in general? 

Questions to Dig Deeper 

(See the Additional Resources section for articles and information that address these questions.) 

• Have you noticed an increase in other forms of bias, hate and oppression? Can you tell me more about that? 

• What do you think we should do about antisemitism and other forms of bias, hate and injustice? 

• Do you talk with your peers about antisemitism or other forms of bias and hate? What are those conversations like? Do you talk about these issues in any of your classes? 

Take Action 

Ask: What can we do to help? What individual and group actions can help make a difference? 

• Help to organize an educational forum in school to talk about antisemitism and other forms of bias, hate and oppression. In the forum, explore and strategize what can be done about it in school, your community or society at large. Start a public awareness campaign in school and online. 

• Write a letter to your school or community newspaper about your thoughts and feelings about antisemitism and other manifestations of bias and hate. In the letter, explain what you think should be done about it.  

• Connect with local, national or international organizations that are fighting bias and hate by working with them directly, joining their fundraising efforts, or volunteer.