Nearly half of American Jews have experienced antisemitic assault, harassment, or vandalism in the past year, according to a sweeping new Associated Press-NORC poll that surveyed more than 1,000 Jewish adults across the United States.

The findings paint a troubling picture of Jewish life in America since the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel. A majority of respondents reported feeling less safe than before that date, with many describing a rise in hostile encounters tied to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Deep Divisions on Israel and Gaza

The poll revealed significant fault lines within the American Jewish community regarding Israel's military operations in Gaza. Religiously affiliated Jews tend to view support for Israel as central to their identity, while those who identify as culturally Jewish but not religiously observant expressed more critical views of Israeli military actions.

This divide extends to questions about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Religiously observant Jews were more likely to defend Israel's military response as necessary self-defense, while secular Jews expressed greater concern about Palestinian civilian casualties.

Political Party Perceptions

American Jews remain overwhelmingly aligned with the Democratic Party, though the poll detected some erosion in that support. Questions about how each party handles antisemitism showed nuanced responses, with some Jews expressing frustration that neither party adequately addresses their concerns.

President Trump received mixed reviews from Jewish respondents. While some credited his administration's strong pro-Israel stance and relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, others expressed concern about rhetoric they viewed as divisive or as enabling antisemitic elements within the Republican coalition.

Antisemitism in Daily Life

The most striking findings involved personal experiences with prejudice. Respondents described incidents ranging from hostile remarks at work to physical assaults. Jewish students on college campuses reported particularly intense pressure, with some describing environments where expressing support for Israel invited harassment.

Many respondents indicated they had changed their behavior in response to safety concerns. Some reported removing visible signs of their faith, such as Star of David jewelry or mezuzahs on their doorposts. Others described avoiding certain neighborhoods or events they previously attended freely.

Looking Forward

The survey underscores the complex position of American Jews navigating both their deep connections to Israel and their concerns about rising domestic antisemitism. As the Gaza conflict continues with no clear resolution in sight, these tensions show little sign of abating.

Jewish community leaders have called for stronger action from political leaders of both parties to condemn antisemitism unequivocally, regardless of the political affiliations of those perpetrating it. The poll suggests that for many American Jews, the current moment represents one of the most challenging periods for their community in recent memory.