Global Survey Reveals Disturbing Rise in Antisemitic Views, Especially Among Young People

A recent survey conducted by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has revealed alarming global trends, with nearly half of all adults worldwide holding significant antisemitic views. The survey, which polled 58,000 respondents across 103 countries, uncovered that 46% of adults, representing roughly 2.2 billion people, endorsed at least half of the antisemitic tropes presented to them. These tropes included beliefs such as “Jews have too much power in the business world” and “Jews’ loyalty is only to Israel.”

ADL chief Jonathan Greenblatt described the findings as a “global emergency,” emphasizing that these attitudes lead to real-world harm and increased vulnerability for Jewish communities worldwide. “When antisemitic views are normalized, it creates an environment where Jews become more vulnerable,” Greenblatt said. The survey's data suggests a troubling correlation between these beliefs and incidents of violence against Jewish individuals, such as the recent attacks on Israelis in Amsterdam.

The study revealed notable regional variations in the prevalence of antisemitic views. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region exhibited the highest levels, with approximately 76% of respondents endorsing harmful stereotypes. Within the MENA region, the West Bank and Gaza had a staggering 97% endorsement rate. In contrast, Western Europe had the lowest levels of antisemitism, with only 17% of respondents showing significant prejudices.

The survey also pointed to a particularly disturbing trend among younger people. Approximately 50% of respondents under the age of 35 held antisemitic views, a stark contrast to just 37% of those aged 50 and above. This generational divide signals a potential future rise in discrimination, as younger individuals seem more likely to harbor harmful stereotypes.

Another concerning finding was the low level of support for the mainstream historical narrative of the Holocaust among younger respondents. Only 39% of those aged 18-34 fully endorsed the historical facts of the genocide, while a significant portion either believed the death toll was exaggerated, denied the Holocaust outright, or had never even heard of it.

While these figures are deeply troubling, the survey also highlighted some positive trends. A majority of respondents—57%—agreed that anti-Jewish hatred was a serious problem, and many supported diplomatic ties with Israel, as well as welcoming Israeli tourists.

Greenblatt attributed the global rise in antisemitism to the spread of conspiracy theories, populism, and increased polarization, especially among younger people. He also noted that social media plays a significant role in amplifying these negative attitudes, which have been further fueled by events like the Hamas invasion of Israel in October 2023.

In response to these alarming trends, the ADL has called on governments and organizations worldwide to adopt and implement the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism, a framework aimed at combating the rise of antisemitic sentiment and ensuring greater protections for Jewish communities.