AJC’s 2021 Survey of the General Public on Antisemitism, conducted by the research company SSRS, is based on interviews with U.S. adults were conducted from September 9 – September 22, 2021, among a nationally representative sample of 1,214 respondents aged 18 and older via the SSRS Opinion Panel[1]. The margin of error is +/-3.9 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. Find the methodology report here. American Jewish Committee (AJC) is a non-partisan organization that neither supports nor endorses candidates for elective office.
*Please note: certain sums may not total 100% due to rounding.[2]
<< Download a copy of the 2021 results here >>
1. |
How familiar are you with the term “antisemitism?” |
| Have heard of the term and know what it means | 65% | |
| Heard the term, but unsure what it means | ||
| Have never heard of the term | ||
Familiar - 65%
|
2. |
How much of a problem, if at all, do you think antisemitism is in the United States today? |
| A very serious problem | ||
| Somewhat of a problem | 39% | |
| Not much of a problem | ||
| Not a problem at all | ||
| Not sure | ||
A Problem - 60%
|
3. |
Over the past five years, do you think antisemitism in the United States has… |
| Increased a lot | ||
| Increased somewhat | 31% | |
| Stayed the same | ||
| Decreased a little | ||
| Decreased a lot | ||
| Not sure | ||
Increased - 44%
|
4. |
Over the past 12 months, have you seen any antisemitic incidents, such as negative remarks or online content about Jewish people, or physical attacks on Jewish people or their religious facilities? |
| Yes, one time | ||
| Yes, more than one time | 31% | |
| No | 59% | |
Yes - 41%
|
5. |
How much, if anything, have you heard about Jews being attacked in the United States and around the world in May 2021 during the conflict between Israel and Hamas? |
| A lot | ||
| Some | 37% | |
| Not much | 30% | |
| Nothing at all | ||
A lot/ some - 48%
|
6. |
In your opinion, is antisemitism taken more seriously, less seriously, or is it considered to be the same as other forms of hate and bigotry? |
| More seriously | 15% | |
| Less seriously | 38% | |
| Considered to be the same | 47% | |
7a. |
How familiar are you with the BDS movement? |
| Very familiar | ||
| Somewhat familiar | ||
| Not too familiar | ||
| Not at all familiar | 52% | |
7b. |
Do you view the BDS movement as antisemitic? |
| Mostly antisemitic | 30% | |
| Some antisemitic supporters | 33% | |
| Not antisemitic | ||
| Don't know/ refused | ||
Antisemitic/ antisemitic supporters - 66%
|
|
*Asked of general public participants who expressed at least some familiarity with the BDS movement. |
8a. |
Do you view the statement, “Israel has no right to exist,” as antisemitic or not? |
| Yes, antisemitic | 85% | |
| No, not antisemitic | ||
8b. |
Do you view the statement, “American Jews are loyal to Israel and disloyal to America,” as antisemitic or not? |
| Yes, antisemitic | 73% | |
| No, not antisemitic | ||
8c. |
Do you view the statement, “The Holocaust has been exaggerated,” as antisemitic or not? |
| Yes, antisemitic | 82% | |
| No, not antisemitic | ||
9. |
Do you, personally, know someone who is Jewish? |
| Yes, I know someone who is Jewish | 64% | |
| No, I don’t know anyone who is Jewish | 36% | |
View More:
To see results from the State of Antisemitism in America 2021: AJC's Survey of American Jews, click here..
To see how results from this survey compare to results from the State of Antisemitism in America 2021: AJC's Survey of American Jews, click here..
<< Download a copy of the 2021 results here >>
[1] SSRS Opinion Panel members are recruited randomly based on nationally representative ABS (Address Based Sample) design (including Hawaii and Alaska). Additionally, we recruit hard-to-reach demographic groups via our Omnibus survey platform. For more information: https://ssrs.com/opinion-panel/.
[2] Comprehensive and precise data available upon request.
