Anti-Jewish tropes are gaining traction, especially among the young according to a comprehensive antisemitism survey released this week.
The Anti-Defamation League this week reported results from a survey of literature and survey of more than 4,000 adults.
Topline results:
* The highest level of belief in anti-Jewish stereotypes in decades
About 85% of those surveyed believe at least one anti-Jewish trope, compared to 61% in 2019. Furthermore, a larger proportion of people believe a higher number of those characterizations.
* Substantial Israel-focused antisemitism
The range of Americans who believe in Israel-oriented antisemitic positions runs from 40% who at least slightly believe that Israel treats Palestinians as Nazis treated Jews, to 18% percent who said they are uncomfortable being with people who support Israel.
* A significant overlap of trope-based and anti-Israel antisemitism
Many who said they believe anti-Jewish tropes also expressed negative attitudes toward Israel.
It appears that recent improvements in attitudes are rolling back. The report says “Young adults have more anti-Israel sentiment than older generations, and only marginally less belief in anti-Jewish tropes.”
The ADL will continue to report its findings through the year.
When the Bias Busters team created “100 Questions and Answers About American Jews,” we wondered if we were going out on a limb to include a “Myths and Stereotypes” section. We wanted to explain or debunk myths without perpetuating them. People thanked us.
Watch for future reports from the ADL or pick up a copy of “100 Questions and Answers About American Jews.”
