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Key points
- Since October 7, concern about antisemitism has risen for most Americans.
- There has been a shift toward attributing antisemitism toward Democrats.
- Liberals and conservatives can work together to stand against antisemitism.
Antisemitism has been a problem throughout history, but since the terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas on October 7, 2023, it has risen sharply throughout the world. As with the study of prejudice and violent conflict in general, social scientists can also provide insight into the perceptions and attitudes toward antisemitism in society.
I previously described research by the More In Common group about where people agree and disagree about important issues. More In Common recently published a report based on survey data they gathered about Americans’ attitudes toward antisemitism. Importantly, they collected data both in September 2023 and in November 2023, which can give us a crucial look at how Americans’ attitudes have changed since October 7th. Let’s dive into this research and learn more about what people really think.
Bipartisan Agreement
One key finding is that most Americans, regardless of age or political attitudes, agree that antisemitism is a problem. But this sentiment increased substantially from 62% agreeing in September to 78% agreeing in November. Democrats, Republicans, and Independents all showed increases in their concern, but it was Republicans who showed the strongest increase, from 56% to 81%.
Some participants shared thoughts in a deeper interview format. In the words of Al, a middle aged Black man and Democratic voter, "Seeing more news about it on TV makes me realize how things are and how things need to change…I feel more empathetic toward the Jewish people.” Chloe, an older Asian American woman and Republican voter, shared a similar sentiment: “I am surprised that antisemitism exists throughout the world. I am even more surprised that it exists in the United States. I thought that it was limited to neo-Nazi groups but this is not the case. Antisemitism exists today and the current war in Israel has emboldened antisemites to act on their feelings.”
Since October 7, the idea that antisemitism is a significant problem in the U.S. stopped being an area of partisan disagreement.
Another key finding was that concern about antisemitism seems to correlate with age, such that that the oldest Americans (members of the Silent Generation) are the most disquieted (98% agreeing it’s a problem), while the youngest (Gen Z) show the least worry (66%), although all age groups showed increases in their level of concern since October. Younger adults’ relatively weaker concern about this may stem from different generational priorities, as well as further time apart from the events of the Holocaust, which for many represents the zenith of anti-Jewish violence and prejudice.
Notably, Republicans and Democrats each attribute the other party as especially problematic in having antisemitic views. In other words, Republicans believe that antisemitism is more of a problem from Democrats and vice versa. This shows a pattern of partisan cognitive bias. However, people in every large political group (Republicans, Democrats, and Independents) all shifted their views toward the idea that Democrats have an antisemitism problem. This is revealing, as it suggests that in addition to the “my side” bias, most people (including Democrats themselves) seem to be picking up on a rising anti-Jewish prejudice within left-of-center politics.
Antisemitism Threatens American Values
But it’s not just that antisemitism exists, or that it’s bad. Americans also hold the viewpoint that antisemitism is specifically a problem for freedom and democracy in our country. When asked whether people agree that “Antisemitism represents a threat to all Americans’ freedom,” a majority of people agreed. The biggest change in this sentiment came from those who identify as strong conservatives, who went from 51% agreeing in September to 72% in November. That’s more than a 20% increase in just two months—though it is worth noting that Democrats and liberals still show the highest level of agreement with this idea.
Why would so many people consider antisemitism a threat to freedom and democracy for all Americans? One answer may lie in the psychology of threats and moral norms. Antisemitism often manifests with violent chaos. When this is on display, it triggers a mental “tightening” and preference for patriotism, especially among conservative Republicans. Threats to society prompt people to want tighter enforcement for rule breakers and norm violators. In this case, Americans perceive antisemitism as a norm violation, and when it increases (as it has over the past few months), then this is likely to cause stronger vigilance and lower tolerance toward such behavior. Some of the most vocal proponents of defending Jewish people have also been those with the strongest sense of American patriotism. This is one of the reasons why I am particularly grateful to live in America. Our society vigilantly prioritizes freedom, equality, and egalitarianism as core values, regardless of race, religion, or creed. As I wrote previously, conservatives are natural allies for liberals who are concerned about fascism and bigotry. We can work side by side for “truth, justice, and the American way.”
Conclusion
Across the political spectrum, most people perceive rising antisemitism in America following the terrorist attack by Hamas against Israel, and most people are at least moderately if not strongly concerned about it. The October 7 attack was a catalyst that displayed the brutality and horror of anti-Jewish hatred. By uniting across the political spectrum, we are better poised to come up with effective solutions to prejudice and bigotry and move forward toward a brighter American future. In fact, the More In Common group said as much in their report, noting how there is “widespread desire…to work constructively across the ideological spectrum to stand up against and counter antisemitism.”
