A new survey conducted by the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) Center for Antisemitism Research found a 4% rise in the number of Americans holding antisemitic beliefs since 2022. Interestingly, the study shows younger generations, including Millennials and Generation Z, now exhibit higher agreement with anti-Jewish tropes compared to older generations.

Antisemitic prejudice surveying

More than 4,000 U.S. adults participated in the survey.  They were asked to what extent they agreed with 11 distinct statements concerning anti-Jewish tropes, commonly used to gauge antisemitic attitudes since 1964, in addition to statements about Israel. On average, Millennials had the highest agreement with anti-Jewish tropes, followed by Generation Z, Generation X and Baby Boomers at 3.06.

The survey also found that 27% of Americans would find it at least somewhat acceptable for a close family member to support Hamas, and 24% of Americans have a close friend or family member who dislike Jews. In total, more than 42% of Americans either have friends/family who dislike Jews or find it socially acceptable for a close family member to support Hamas.

“After decades of antisemitism mostly keeping to the fringes of society, it is shocking to see the number of Americans who openly hold antisemitic beliefs increase so significantly in recent years,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “And the sharp reversal, from older generations to younger generations being more likely to hold antisemitic beliefs, is a terrifying concern for our future. The need for better solutions is more urgent than ever – before this dangerous momentum keeps growing.”

“Those who indicate they have friends or family who support Hamas or dislike Jews are more likely to agree with a high number of anti-Jewish tropes than those who do not, confirming the power of social norms,” said Matt Williams, VP, ADL Center for Antisemitism Research. “The social acceptability of these beliefs is a critical factor in expressions of hostility. We need people to push these beliefs back inside.”

Conspiracy theories

The research emphasized that belief in conspiracy theories does correlate with antisemitic attitudes. Nearly 33% of respondents agreed in some way with the idea that Israeli operatives manipulate U.S. national policy, while 30% held similar views regarding Israel’s control over the media.

Another standout fact, 90% of Americans support the right of Jews to have an independent country, but with the two-state solution emerging as the most favored approach for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict across all age groups.

The survey was conducted between Jan. 5-18, via Qualtrics, a prominent electronic survey platform, the study included over 4,000 U.S. adults.