A significant majority of American Jews – 78% – report feeling less safe as Jewish individuals in the United States, a sentiment directly linked to the attacks by Hamas in Israel. The finding, released on , by the American Jewish Committee (AJC), underscores a growing sense of vulnerability within the community and a marked shift in behavior driven by fear of antisemitism.
The AJC’s “State of Antisemitism in America 2025 Report” details how a series of high-profile incidents in the U.S. Have contributed to this heightened anxiety. These include the arson attack during Passover on the Pennsylvania Governor’s residence, the murders of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. Following an AJC event, and the firebombing of a march in Boulder, Colorado, organized in support of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. According to the report, 91% of American Jews now feel less safe as a result of these events.
“We need Americans to wake up to the reality of what their Jewish neighbors are experiencing,” stated Ted Deutch, CEO of the AJC. “Right now, in America, when Jews gather, whether at synagogue or a community event, it’s routinely behind metal detectors and armed guards. No one in America should have to change their behavior because of what they believe, but that’s how most Jews are living their lives. What we’re asking for is what every other minority group expects in America: the freedom to be who we are without fearing for our safety.”
The increase in perceived insecurity isn’t isolated to specific incidents, but rather reflects a broader trend. The report indicates that 86% of American Jews believe antisemitism has increased in the two years following the attacks. This perception aligns with data from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which reported a 21% spike in antisemitic activity in the U.S. Following the Hamas invasion of Israel.
A substantial portion of this antisemitism is manifesting online. The AJC report found that 73% of American Jews have experienced antisemitism online, either by witnessing it, being targeted directly, or both – marking the first time this figure has exceeded 70% in the history of the AJC’s tracking. This digital surge in hate speech is particularly concerning, given its potential to incite real-world violence and further exacerbate feelings of fear and isolation.
The anxieties extend beyond physical safety and online harassment. The report also reveals a growing concern among American Jews regarding the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to spread antisemitism and contribute to incidents of hate. This reflects a broader global apprehension about the misuse of AI technologies to amplify extremist ideologies and facilitate the dissemination of disinformation.
The current climate echoes concerns expressed in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, when communities across the United States grappled with shock and fear. Reports from , detailed how synagogues increased security measures and some holiday celebrations were cancelled as Jewish communities braced for potential repercussions. Cantor Benny Rogosnitzky of Park East Synagogue in New York City described the disbelief and heartbreak felt by his congregation, with many expressing a constant sense of worry about their safety, both domestically and abroad.
The situation is not unique to the Jewish community. Reports from the same period indicated that Palestinian communities in the U.S. Were also experiencing heightened fear and anxiety, concerned about potential backlash and violence. This underscores the broader impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on communities within the United States.
The increased security measures – metal detectors and armed guards at synagogues and community events – highlight a significant change in the lived experience of American Jews. As Deutch emphasized, this level of security is unprecedented and represents a departure from the expectation of freely practicing one’s faith without fear. The AJC report serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing American Jews and the urgent need for greater awareness and proactive measures to combat antisemitism.
The Justice Department announced in that it was monitoring an increase in reported threats to Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities, signaling a recognition of the widespread impact of the conflict and the potential for escalating tensions within the U.S. Hillel International responded by providing additional funding for armed guards on college campuses, and other Jewish institutions have similarly bolstered their security protocols.
The findings from the AJC report, coupled with data from the ADL and other organizations, paint a concerning picture of a community under siege – not by physical attacks alone, but by a pervasive sense of fear and vulnerability. The report’s release serves as a call to action for both government officials and civil society organizations to address the root causes of antisemitism and ensure the safety and security of all Americans.
