The survey, which involved over 2,000 college students from the general population and more than 1,000 Jewish students, is the largest-ever survey on antisemitism among college students.
The survey, which involved over 2,000 college students from the general population and more than 1,000 Jewish students, is the largest-ever survey on antisemitism among college students.
A recent survey conducted by Jewish on Campus, a student-founded nonprofit organization dedicated to combating discrimination against Jewish students, has revealed concerning trends in antisemitic incidents among college students in the United States.
The survey found that nearly 60 percent of Jewish students at US colleges have either experienced or witnessed antisemitism. Approximately 44 percent reported encountering antisemitism in the broader community. Meanwhile, 29 percent reported similar incidents within their colleges or universities.
A significant majority of surveyed students, 84 percent, perceive antisemitism as an extreme or significant threat to the nation. This concern is shared by 64 percent of the broader community.
Moreover, one in every six students questioned the historical accuracy or death toll of the Holocaust. This indicated a lack of knowledge about this historical event.
A substantial portion of students, 72 percent, reported facing unintentional discrimination, primarily in the form of microaggressions.
Half of the surveyed students reported witnessing or experiencing antisemitism in the form of hate speech. Additionally, nearly half encountered or witnessed vandalism targeting Jewish individuals or properties. Other reported experiences include the spreading of conspiracy theories (43 percent) and expressions of death wishes or genocide against Jews (21 percent).
Julia Jassey, co-founder and CEO of Jewish on Campus, emphasized the need for university administrators, campus leaders and non-Jewish students to take antisemitism seriously.
Ambassador Ronald Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, expressed deep concern about the prevalence of antisemitic incidents among American college students and pledged support in the fight against bigotry and threats.
Historical context
The survey, involving over 2,000 college students from the general population and more than 1,000 Jewish students, is the largest-ever survey on antisemitism among college students. It was supported by the World Jewish Congress, which has been actively advocating for awareness and action on this critical issue.
The results come in the wake of last year’s revelation that Stanford University had suppressed the admission of Jewish students in the 1950s, leading to an official apology from the university to the Jewish community.
