The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the umbrella organization of Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) are publishing a comprehensive study that illustrates the depth of the antisemitism crisis and the difficult Jewish experience in the United States over the past year.
More than 55% of respondents said they experienced at least one type of antisemitism in the past 12 months, while 57% of respondents believe that antisemitism is now a "routine part" of the Jewish experience in America.
The 2025 Antisemitism Report, conducted in partnership with researchers from Columbia University, points to a troubling picture of fear and anxiety among American Jews – nearly one in five experienced assault, threats or verbal harassment due to their Jewish identity, while more than a third witnessed actual antisemitic violence or threats of violence.
The study found that Jews experience antisemitism in various contexts – 41% experience antisemitic incidents online, 21% in public spaces, 13% in educational institutions, and 9% in workplaces or near Jewish institutions. 44% reported experiencing actions or statements that minimize the Jewish experience, and 74% of victims said they did not report the incidents at all, a figure that indicates a lack of trust in institutions that handle such incidents.
79% of respondents expressed concern about the level of antisemitism, with 48% of respondents saying they took "steps to strengthen their personal security," including preparing for extreme scenarios (33%), installing cameras and security measures (13%), and even purchasing weapons (9%). 14% said they even devised an escape plan from the country if needed, an unprecedented rate that illustrates the depth of anxiety.
"It is very sad that American Jews are talking about such extreme scenarios," said Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. "When American Jews who have built lives, careers, and families here for generations are preparing contingency plans for escape, we must understand that this is a national emergency. This is not just a Jewish problem; this is an American problem that requires immediate action by leaders at all levels".
The report also pointed to the serious psychological impacts caused by the rise in antisemitic incidents among the Jewish community in the US – nearly a third of respondents who experienced or witnessed an antisemitic incident showed signs of anxiety, and one in five showed signs of depression. Additionally, 6% of Jews experienced antisemitic sexual violence, of which 3% reported actual threat or assault due to their Judaism.
Alongside the rise in antisemitic incidents and hate crimes, there was also an increase in Jewish involvement. Jewish Federations of North America President Eric Fingerhut said that "the fact that nearly two-thirds of those who experienced antisemitism respond by deepening their Jewish involvement demonstrates the extraordinary resilience of our people. Instead of retreating out of fear, American Jews are choosing to stand together, strengthen connections, and reaffirm their identity. This wave of Jewish involvement represents hope and determination in the face of hatred".
50% of Jews believe that most of the non-Jewish public would not stand by them in case of an antisemitic attack, an increase of 6% compared to last year, but only 30% believe there is nothing that can be done to change the situation. 68% said they feel comfortable, at least to some extent, speaking publicly against antisemitism – evidence that the fight against hatred continues, even as it becomes more "normal" than ever.
