New Report: Antisemitism x Democracy

This summer, JCPA CEO Amy Spitalnick released Antisemitism x Democracy, a report exploring the deep connections between rising antisemitism and threats to inclusive democracy.

Antisemitism is not only a form of religious, racial, or ethnic prejudice. It also uniquely functions as a conspiracy theory rooted in lies about Jewish power and influence that are used to sow distrust in democracy by painting institutions and communities as pawns of Jewish control. In turn, as democracy deteriorates, antisemitism only continues to flourish – all posing a threat that extends far beyond the Jewish community.

Recent research underscores this deep connection between antisemitism and broader threats to democracy and all communities. Belief in conspiracy theories— such as the antisemitic Great Replacement or QAnon—are among the biggest drivers of political violence and anti-democratic extremism. Similarly, belief in conspiracy theories is among the best predictors of antisemitism.

We’ve seen this in the recent cycle of white supremacist violence targeting Jews and other marginalized communities, as well as in post-October 7th conspiracy theories related to “Jewish” or “Zionist” power and influence.

All of this tells us that the fight for democracy and the safety of all communities requires countering antisemitism because it animates and fuels broader extremism and hate.  

At the same time, Jewish safety is most assured in inclusive, pluralistic democracies where the safety and rights of all communities are protected.

Yet the conversation on antisemitism is too often myopic and siloed. This makes it harder for some Jews to see broader democracy and civil rights work as fundamental to Jewish safety, prevents people who aren’t Jewish from understanding their own self-interest in combating antisemitism, and keeps communities apart at a moment when solidarity is critical to our mutual safety and futures.

The good news is that messaging connecting Jewish safety with our democracy, democratic norms and values, and the safety of others isn’t just accurate—it resonates strongly with the communities who must be engaged in this fight.

Research conducted in the fall of 2023 found that such messages tested very well across race, generation, and party. Recent follow-up research, focused on 18- to 34-year-olds, found that the most resonant messaging highlighted antisemitism’s threats to our democracy and freedom and how antisemitic hate spreads to target other groups.

This tells us that there is a clear path forward: one that recognizes the deep interconnection of Jewish safety with the safety of others and brings together communities under threat in pursuit of an inclusive democracy in which all Americans’ rights and freedoms are protected.

The Jewish Council for Public Affairs’ work is rooted in this approach, mobilizing the Jewish community to protect democracy and counter hate and extremism and engaging potential allies and partners in understanding their stake in the fight against antisemitism.

Read the full report here.