‘Where is the outrage?’ What American Jews and general public say about anti-Semitism

Nearly a quarter of more than 1,400 American Jews surveyed say they have been the target of anti-Semitism in the past 12 months. And of those, 17 percent said they have heard anti-Semitic remarks in person, according the American Jewish Committee’s “State of anti-Semitism in America Report,” which was released this week.

This is one of several troubling statistics to come out the annual survey that questions American Jews and the U.S. general public on anti-Semitism in America, said Brian Siegal, director of the Miami and Broward American Jewish Committee.

“This survey is really trying to get a sense of how the Jewish community and the larger community as a whole perceive anti-Semitism,” he said. “This is a way we can get a sense of how people are feeling.”

The surveys, conducted by the independent research firm SSRS, were completed over the phone or online by 1,433 Jews, ages 18 or older, from Sept. 1 to Oct. 3. They also included 1,214 general population adults, 18 or older, via the firm’s Opinion Panel, from Sept. 9 to Sept. 22.

Both Jews and non-Jews “were asked about their perceptions and experiences of anti-Semitism over the past 12 months, including during the conflict between Israel and Hamas in May of this year,” the American Jewish Committee said.

“This critical report confirms that American Jews are deeply concerned about anti-Semitism in America—and many are limiting their behavior as a result,” said AJC CEO David Harris in a statement. “It is 2021, and a disturbing number of Jews in America are afraid of identifying openly as Jewish for fear of attack. Where is the outrage? Where is the recognition that anti-Semitism may begin with Jews but, ultimately, targets the fabric and fiber of any democratic society?”

Anti-Semitism on the rise

Wednesday marks three years since a gunman attacked the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh, leaving 11 people dead.

“We honor the eleven lives lost three years ago today in Pittsburgh in the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in U.S. history,” the Anti-Defamation League says on its website. “Today, anti-Semitism and hate crimes are at historic highs in the United States, and the fight continues against all forms of hate, bigotry and targeted violence.”

In April, the ADL released its annual audit of anti-Semitic incidents, which showed 127 anti-Semitic incidents recorded in Florida in 2020. Florida saw an increase of 40 percent in harassment and vandalism last year over the previous year. In 2019, there were 91 incidents.

The AJC said that its new report based on the surveys confirms “that hatred of Jews remains a severe problem in the United States, requiring urgent attention—and that American Jews and the U.S. general public view the problem very differently.”

Sampling of questions and responses from AJC survey

▪ Jewish population

Q: Compared to a year ago, is the status of Jews in the United States more secure or less secure?

A: More secure than a year ago, 11%; Less secure than a year ago, 31%; About the same as a year ago, 57%; Don’t know/ refused, 1%

Q: Over the past 12 months, have you, yourself, been the target of an antisemitic remark or post online or through social media?

A: Yes, one time, 5%; Yes, more than one time, 7%; No, 88%

Q: If you were the target of an anti-Semitic remark or post in the past 12 months did you report it?

A: Reported incident, 42%; Did not report incident, 58%

▪ General population

Q: How familiar are you with the term “anti-Semitism?”

A: Have heard of the term and know what it means, 65%; Heard the term, but unsure what it means, 18%; Have never heard of the term, 16%

Q: Over the past 12 months, have you seen any anti-Semitic incidents, such as negative remarks or online content about Jewish people, or physical attacks on Jewish people or their religious facilities?

A: Yes, one time, 10%; Yes, more than one time, 31%; No, 59%

Q: Do you view the statement, “Israel has no right to exist,” as anti-Semitic or not?

A: Yes, anti-Semitic 85%; No, not anti-Semitic 15%

▪ Questions asked to both groups

Q: How much of a problem, if at all, do you think anti-Semitism is in the United States today?

A: Jewish population — A very serious problem, 40%; Somewhat of a problem, 50%; Not much of a problem, 8%; Not a problem at all, 2%.

General population — A very serious problem, 21%; Somewhat of a problem, 39%; Not much of a problem, 21%; Not a problem at all, 4%; Not sure, 15%

Q: Over the past five years, do you think that anti-Semitism in the United States has…

A: Jewish population — Increased a lot, 37%; Increased somewhat, 45%; Stayed the same, 14%; Decreased a little, 2%; Decreased a lot, 1%

General population — Increased a lot, 13%; Increased somewhat, 31%; Stayed the same, 22%; Decreased a little, 11%; Decreased a lot, 4%; Not sure, 19%

Q: In your opinion, is anti-Semitism taken more seriously, less seriously, or is it considered to be the same as other forms of hate and bigotry?

A: Jewish population — More seriously, 16%; Less seriously, 46%; Considered to be the same, 37%; Don’t know/ refused, 1%

General population — More seriously, 15%; Less seriously, 38% Considered to be the same, 47%

To know more about the issues or report an incident

▪ AJC in Miami and Broward is the local arm of the organization that is aimed at enhancing “the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel.” For more information, visit https://www.ajc.org/miami or call 305-670-1121.

▪ The AJC director urged anyone who believes they may be a victim of an anti-Semitic attack to report it to local law enforcement. Florida’s hate crime law can upgrade charges and punishment.

▪ Incidents can also be reported to the ADL at https://www.adl.org/reportincident.