A survey revealed that 6 out of 10 Jews in the US feel less safe after October 7

A survey conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research revealed that six in ten Jews in the United States say they feel less safe since the massacre carried out by the terrorist organization Hamas against Israel on October 7, 2023. The study reflects the growing impact of antisemitism on the daily lives of the American Jewish community.

The results show a significant change in the perception of safety among Jews in the country, in a context marked by an increase in antisemitic incidents and greater polarization surrounding the conflict in the Middle East.

Concerns about antisemitism in the United States are growing

According to the survey, around 60% of American Jews believe that discrimination against the Jewish people is an extremely serious problem. This perception is even stronger among those who maintain a strong emotional connection to Israel or actively practice the Jewish religion.

The report also revealed that nearly three in ten Jews reported that they or a member of their household experienced physical assaults, threats, verbal harassment, cyberbullying, or property damage due to their Jewish identity in the past year.

Among the reported incidents, one in ten stated they had suffered physical assaults or property damage, while two in ten reported insults, threats, or verbal harassment, in addition to instances of online harassment.

Many avoid publicly identifying as Jews

The study also reflects how the rise in antisemitism has changed the daily behaviors of a significant portion of the Jewish community.

Four in ten respondents stated that they are now less willing to use religious symbols or items that would publicly identify them as Jews, as a consequence of the climate of insecurity following the massacre on October 7.

On the other hand, approximately one third said they feel as safe as before, while only a minority reported feeling safer.

The survey also found that those who regularly attend religious services have a significantly higher likelihood of having experienced episodes of antisemitism, a fact that coincides with the numerous attacks recorded in recent years against synagogues, community institutions, and other spaces linked to the Jewish community.

The results reflect the impact that the Hamas terrorist attack had on the perception of safety among American Jews and highlight the growing concern over the increase in antisemitic incidents in the United States.