This Is How America Can Unite Against Antisemitism

This piece originally appeared in The Algemeiner.

Hamas’ brutal terror attack on October 7 created shockwaves that are still being felt across the globe. According to American Jewish Committee’s State of Antisemitism in America 2023 Report, 78% of American Jews feel less safe in the United States as a result of the massacre.

Our report underscores the painful reality that antisemitism is a longstanding, serious threat in the US, which has become even more dangerous since October ‍7. We have seen a dramatic increase in antisemitic incidents across the country, including attacks on Jewish businesses, Jewish students, and Jewish institutions.

President Biden rightfully recognized the need for a national mobilization against antisemitism even before the Hamas massacre, and AJC’s Task Force to Implement the U.S. National Strategy is working with the administration to ensure that the US National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, released last May, is implemented. We need tangible results in this time of crisis.

AJC’s Task Force has shared data from the State of Antisemitism in America 2023 Report with staff from the White House and numerous Federal agencies, and we were able to share statistics that relate to the work of specific US agencies.

We asked American Jews and the general population how important it is for hate crimes, including antisemitic crimes, to be reported to a Federal database by local law enforcement. Nine in ten said it was.

Reporting is currently voluntary, which presents a problem. The FBI needs robust data to allocate appropriate resources to fighting antisemitism. Our findings can bolster the FBI’s pleas for data, give Congress impetus to pass bills like the bipartisan Improving Reporting to Prevent Hate Act, and help convince reluctant local law enforcement agencies to do better.

Jewish people and businesses are being targeted and need our support. One in five local Jewish businesses have been targeted by antisemitism through threats, graffiti, broken windows, or other attacks over the past five years, which takes a toll on our communities’ economic health.

As AJC continues our partnership with the Small Business Administration, these statistics highlight the need to address this issue by ensuring that small businesses have the resources they need to address antisemitism and other forms of hate.

But Jew-hatred isn’t limited to the private sector. Schools and universities have become hotbeds of antisemitic incidents. For example, one in four Jewish students said they changed their behavior out of the fear of antisemitism, and one in five felt or were actively excluded from a club or program because of antisemitism. In 2022, that number was 12%‍, representing a jump of eight percentage points in just one year.

This data is crucial in our conversations with college presidents and administrators, as well as with the Department of Education, as they continue to work with these schools and on Title VI enforcement.

Antisemitism on social media is also of major concern. Since October 7, 62% of American Jews shared that they saw antisemitism on social media, with 56% seeing it more than once. AJC is using this data to urge platforms to protect Jewish users online. We are also bringing these stats to Congress as we push for legislation improving accountability and transparency.

As we — along with other organizations — continue our work with government officials and community leaders at every level, each of us can also take action to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish people. Here are three steps you can take:

1. Use your voice to influence Congress. Join us in urging Congress to take decisive action to ensure the full implementation of the US National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.
2. Educate yourself about antisemitism. You can see our annual report here, and there are countless other resources online to learn from.
3. Stand up against antisemitism in your community. Your voices are needed at the local, State, and Federal level.

Please join us and become a participant in the urgent fight against antisemitism.