Antisemitic Incidents In The U.S. Hit All-Time High In 2024, Driven By Israel-Related Hostility

 

Antisemitic incidents in the United States surged to record levels in 2024, marking the fourth consecutive year of increases, according to a new report from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The organization recorded 9,354 incidents of assault, harassment, and vandalism — the highest number since it began tracking in 1979.

This figure represents a 5% increase over the 8,873 incidents logged in 2023 and a staggering 344% rise over the last five years.

The majority of incidents — 6,552 cases — involved harassment, including the use of antisemitic slurs, stereotypes, or tropes directed at Jewish individuals or those perceived to be Jewish. Vandalism made up 2,606 cases, a 20% increase from the previous year.

For the first time, over half of the incidents — 58% — were linked to Israel or Zionism. Many occurred at anti-Israel demonstrations, particularly following the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. However, the ADL clarified that general criticism of Israel or support for Palestinian rights is not categorized as antisemitism in the report.

“Hatred toward Israel was a driving force behind antisemitism across the U.S.,” said Oren Segal, the ADL’s senior vice president for counter-extremism and intelligence. “These incidents serve as a clear reminder that silence is not an option.”

College campuses saw an especially sharp increase, with antisemitic incidents rising by 84% year-over-year. These cases represented 18% of the total nationwide, and many occurred between mid-April and mid-May 2024 during protests related to the conflict in Gaza.

In response, the Trump administration has taken action against universities accused of permitting antisemitism, including revoking student visas and freezing federal funds.

Antisemitic activity also rose in public spaces and commercial areas, including Jewish-owned businesses. In contrast, non-Jewish K-12 schools reported a decrease in such incidents.

The states with the highest number of reported cases were New York, California, and New Jersey.

ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt called the rising trend “horrifying,” stating, “Jewish Americans continue to be harassed, assaulted, and targeted for who they are on a daily basis and everywhere they go. But let’s be clear: we will remain proud of our Jewish culture, religion, and identities, and we will not be intimidated by bigots.”

The report emphasized that antisemitism in the U.S. is no longer a temporary spike, but a deeply rooted and persistent threat. Segal urged action, saying, “Good people must stand up, push back, and confront antisemitism wherever it appears. That starts with understanding what fuels it and learning to recognize it in all its forms.”