New Polling Shows Sharp Rise in Concern over Antisemitism Following October 7th

For Immediate Release: December 19, 2023
Media Contact: press@thejcpa.org

Strong Majorities of Both Parties See Antisemitism as Major Concern; Worries Increase Among All Age Groups

NEW YORK – A new study released today found a steep increase in concern about antisemitism after the terrorist attacks of October 7th. The poll, which was conducted twice—once immediately before and once after the attacks—documents a dramatic rise in awareness of antisemitism among both parties, virtually eliminating the partisan gap that existed before the attacks.

Released today by the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) and More In Common, the study found that Americans’ concern about antisemitism as a “somewhat” or “very serious problem” has increased by nearly 20 percentage points (62% to 78%) since October 7th.

Before October 7th, while majorities across the political spectrum saw antisemitism as a problem, Democrats (73%) were more likely than Republicans (56%) or Independents (63%) to do so. After the terrorist attacks, Democrats increased concern levels by 10 points to 83% and Republicans increased their concern by 25 points to 81%.

“Antisemitism was already a crisis before October 7th–and it is even more of a crisis today,” said Amy Spitalnick, CEO of JCPA. “This new data makes clear that Americans across the ideological spectrum are concerned about rising antisemitism–a critical first step towards confronting it head on. We should be clear: antisemitism operates as both a form of hate that targets Jews and a pernicious conspiracy theory that fundamentally threatens the safety of all communities and our democracy. We all have an obligation to call it out, in all of its forms.”

“These numbers make it clear that there’s far more uniting Americans than dividing us when it comes to one of our most pressing issues,” said Dan Vallone, Director of More in Common USA.

Americans who describe themselves as “very liberal” remain most likely (rising slightly from 85% before the attacks to 86% after) to see antisemitism as a threat to all Americans’ freedoms, whereas very conservative Americans showed the greatest increase (51% before October 7th to 72% after).

The poll also revealed that after October 7th, Americans across the political spectrum feel a responsibility to stand up to antisemitism (Democrats – 71%, Republicans – 65%, Independents – 63%). More than 6-in-10 Americans believe that antisemitism represents a threat to democracy in America.

The scope of data in the report is intentionally narrow–the second round of polling (in November 2023) included only questions that were also asked in the first round (which took place September 15-20). The timing of the poll represents a unique opportunity to understand how the events of October 7th affected American opinions on antisemitism.

You can access the full poll slide deck here.

To interview representatives of More In Common or the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, contact press@thejcpa.org.

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About JCPA

The mission of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) is to strengthen and leverage the Jewish community relations network across the nation to champion a just, democratic, and pluralistic society and advance the right of full inclusion of all members of our society, including Jews, free of discrimination, hate, and prejudice.

Inspired by Jewish values of human dignity and equal justice under the law and an abiding commitment to vibrant and secure Jewish communities here, in Israel, and throughout the world, JCPA convenes and catalyzes its network to work with public officials, build deep relations, and engage in advocacy coalitions based on shared goals.

For Immediate Release: December 19, 2023
Media Contact: press@thejcpa.org

Strong Majorities of Both Parties See Antisemitism as Major Concern; Worries Increase Among All Age Groups

NEW YORK – A new study released today found a steep increase in concern about antisemitism after the terrorist attacks of October 7th. The poll, which was conducted twice—once immediately before and once after the attacks—documents a dramatic rise in awareness of antisemitism among both parties, virtually eliminating the partisan gap that existed before the attacks.

Released today by the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) and More In Common, the study found that Americans’ concern about antisemitism as a “somewhat” or “very serious problem” has increased by nearly 20 percentage points (62% to 78%) since October 7th.

Before October 7th, while majorities across the political spectrum saw antisemitism as a problem, Democrats (73%) were more likely than Republicans (56%) or Independents (63%) to do so. After the terrorist attacks, Democrats increased concern levels by 10 points to 83% and Republicans increased their concern by 25 points to 81%.

“Antisemitism was already a crisis before October 7th–and it is even more of a crisis today,” said Amy Spitalnick, CEO of JCPA. “This new data makes clear that Americans across the ideological spectrum are concerned about rising antisemitism–a critical first step towards confronting it head on. We should be clear: antisemitism operates as both a form of hate that targets Jews and a pernicious conspiracy theory that fundamentally threatens the safety of all communities and our democracy. We all have an obligation to call it out, in all of its forms.”

“These numbers make it clear that there’s far more uniting Americans than dividing us when it comes to one of our most pressing issues,” said Dan Vallone, Director of More in Common USA.

Americans who describe themselves as “very liberal” remain most likely (rising slightly from 85% before the attacks to 86% after) to see antisemitism as a threat to all Americans' freedoms, whereas very conservative Americans showed the greatest increase (51% before October 7th to 72% after).

The poll also revealed that after October 7th, Americans across the political spectrum feel a responsibility to stand up to antisemitism (Democrats - 71%, Republicans - 65%, Independents - 63%). More than 6-in-10 Americans believe that antisemitism represents a threat to democracy in America.

The scope of data in the report is intentionally narrow–the second round of polling (in November 2023) included only questions that were also asked in the first round (which took place September 15-20). The timing of the poll represents a unique opportunity to understand how the events of October 7th affected American opinions on antisemitism.

You can access the full poll slide deck here.

To interview representatives of More In Common or the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, contact press@thejcpa.org.

###

About JCPA

The mission of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) is to strengthen and leverage the Jewish community relations network across the nation to champion a just, democratic, and pluralistic society and advance the right of full inclusion of all members of our society, including Jews, free of discrimination, hate, and prejudice.

Inspired by Jewish values of human dignity and equal justice under the law and an abiding commitment to vibrant and secure Jewish communities here, in Israel, and throughout the world, JCPA convenes and catalyzes its network to work with public officials, build deep relations, and engage in advocacy coalitions based on shared goals.