For decades, America has been viewed as a sanctuary—a nation built on democracy, liberty, and equality, where Jewish communities could thrive. Today, that sanctuary is under siege.
American Jewish Committee’s State of Antisemitism in America 2024 Report makes clear that our nation is witnessing unprecedented levels of hate.
For the first time, a majority of American Jews—56%—say they have changed their behavior out of fear of antisemitism, a dramatic jump from 38% who said that in 2022. Moreover, 60% now report that antisemitism has increased “a lot” over the past five years, and nearly three-quarters (73%) feel less secure in the U.S. compared to just a year ago.
These figures are not mere numbers; they represent the daily reality of the Jewish community and a troubling indictment of the state of our society.
Every statistic in the AJC report signals a growing crisis. One in three American Jews has been the target of antisemitism in the past year—whether in person or online. At the same time, most choose not to report incidents to the authorities. More than three-quarters (78%) remain silent about the antisemitism they face— and 54% of American Jews 54% believe nothing will be done if they report.
It’s hard to fault this silence when, in 2024 on a crowded subway, a masked man led a mob in chanting “Zionists, this is your chance to get out,” and ultimately received only four hours of community service despite clear evidence and decisive action by both the NYPD and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
Such leniency sends a dangerous message. When hate is met with negligible consequences, normalization follows.
More-recent events in the city serve as a stark reminder of the systemic challenges we face. On Feb. 8, an 11-year-old girl in traditional Jewish attire was violently assaulted—her hair pulled and she was dragged to the ground.
Just days later in Crown Heights, an assailant targeted a group of Jewish men on the subway, attempted to stab one and shoved another. In another incident, a Jewish man dining on the Lower East Side was doused with water while being shouted down with “Free Palestine,” leaving him rattled and more cautious than ever.
These incidents are part of a broader pattern. NYPD data for 2024 shows there were 345 antisemitic hate crimes in the city—accounting for 54% of all bias incidents—with a dramatic surge in attacks following the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The message is clear: Jews in New York continue to be targeted more than any other minority group.
Antisemitism is not merely a problem for Jews—it undermines the very fabric of American democracy. AJC’s report found that the vast majority of U.S. adults recognize that hate against Jews affects us all, and it is incumbent upon every citizen and leader to push back against this tide of hate.
This is a clarion call for bipartisan cooperation to reform hate crime legislation and ensure that perpetrators face meaningful consequences. In this vein, AJC is urging lawmakers to support critical measures such as a bill currently making its way through the New York State Legislature – that mandates law enforcement agencies to accurately report hate crimes.
By holding law enforcement accountable in this way, they would hopefully be more motivated to craft effective responses to bias-motivated violence, help dismantle systemic barriers that allow hate to flourish and restore public confidence in our justice system.
Equally urgent is the need to safeguard our campuses. Another bill in Albany would require every college in New York to appoint a coordinator for complaints tied to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
This legislation would ensure that complaints of antisemitic discrimination are handled swiftly and thoroughly, holding institutions accountable and providing a clear, accessible pathway for students to report harassment. It is a critical step toward ensuring every student has the right to a safe and inclusive learning environment.
The erosion of trust in our democratic institutions—as evidenced in the AJC report by 66% of U.S. adults and 72% of American Jews reporting less confidence in our democracy over the past five years—is both alarming and unsustainable.
The data is clear, the stakes are high, and the time to act is now. Our collective future depends on our ability to stand together—across political, generational, and ideological lines—to eradicate hate, hold perpetrators accountable, and rebuild trust in the institutions that keep our society safe and just.
Josh Kramer is Director of the American Jewish Committee New York.
