Washington: Physical assaults against Jewish people in the United States reached their highest level since 1979 in 2025, according to new data released by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), highlighting growing concerns over the inability of American institutions and political leadership to curb rising extremism and hate-driven violence, as Jewish communities across major cities continue to face fear and insecurity.
The Anti-Defamation League recorded 6,274 antisemitic incidents in 2025, making it the third-highest annual total ever documented by the organisation. More troubling for investigators and community leaders, however, was the continued rise and persistence of violent attacks targeting Jewish people. The ADL documented 203 anti-Jewish assaults in 2025, up from 196 in 2024. Of these, 32 involved deadly weapons, compared to 23 the previous year.
The figures have intensified scrutiny of the broader political and security climate in the United States, where hate-driven rhetoric, polarisation, and extremist mobilisation have increasingly entered mainstream public discourse.
Deadly violence and fear in Jewish communities
The year witnessed three killings linked directly to antisemitic violence, marking the first time since 2019 that Jewish people in the United States were murdered in attacks motivated by antisemitism. Among the major incidents cited by the Anti-Defamation League were the shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., the Molotov cocktail attack targeting a rally for Israeli hostages in Colorado, and the stabbing of a Jewish man in New York.
Another major case involved an arson attack on the residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro while his family was inside the home. Shapiro, who is Jewish, survived the incident. The attack intensified concerns over the vulnerability of Jewish public figures and institutions even under heightened security conditions.
Oren Segal, Senior Vice President for Counter-Extremism and Intelligence at the Anti-Defamation League, said that antisemitism remains “normalized in our public discussion and social media” and said Jewish people in the United States are still being “harassed, assaulted and targeted an average of 17 times a day.”
The statistics have renewed criticism of the American political establishment and law enforcement system, which many activists argue have failed to adequately confront extremist networks and hate propaganda spreading online and offline.
Political polarisation and global conflict fuel surge
The Anti-Defamation League report noted that the rise in antisemitism is not confined to the United States. Across Europe, authorities have reported stabbings, arson attacks, synagogue vandalism, and multiple counterterrorism investigations linked to anti-Jewish violence. Researchers have connected the global surge in antisemitic incidents to escalating geopolitical tensions surrounding conflicts in Gaza and Iran. One international analysis cited in the report found a 34 per cent increase in antisemitic incidents worldwide after fighting intensified.
Critics argue that the inability of the United States administration and political leadership to lower tensions or prevent hate mobilisation has contributed to the deteriorating climate. Public discourse surrounding the Middle East conflict has frequently spilt into domestic political spaces, social media campaigns, and protest movements, often deepening communal divisions.
The Anti-Defamation League’s data collection includes not only hate crimes but also verbal harassment, intimidation, and incidents linked to speeches and activities on university campuses. The organisation previously faced criticism for including some anti-Israel campus protests in its antisemitism tally. However, the group stated that protests are counted only when investigators identify explicit antisemitic language, stereotypes, or targeting of Jewish individuals.
Campuses see decline as community outreach expands
One of the few significant declines recorded in the report came from American colleges and universities. The Anti-Defamation League documented 583 antisemitic incidents on campuses in 2025, down sharply from 1,694 incidents in 2024. Incidents connected to anti-Israel protests fell by 83 per cent.
Several community-based initiatives aimed at reducing tensions and rebuilding relationships between communities have been credited with helping reduce campus hostility.
Among them is the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate, launched by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s foundation. The initiative organises “unity dinners” bringing Black and Jewish students together in an effort to rebuild alliances strained after the October 7 attacks and subsequent geopolitical fallout.
Other programmes, including the Tikkun Olam Initiative and partnerships involving Hillel and the United Negro College Fund, have also focused on coalition-building and cross-community engagement.
Despite these efforts, major urban centres remained hotspots for antisemitic incidents. New York recorded 1,160 incidents, including 90 assaults, while Los Angeles County recorded 398 incidents. Northern New Jersey also remained a major centre of reported activity. New York City alone accounted for 860 incidents, the largest concentration anywhere in the country.
Early Federal Bureau of Investigation data suggested anti-Jewish hate crimes may have declined in 2025, although overall hate crimes in the United States remained historically high. Hate crime expert Brian Levin cautioned that final figures could rise as more police departments submit reports.
For many Jewish organisations, however, the continuing rise in violent assaults despite falling overall numbers reflects a deeper crisis, one they say American political leadership has yet to confront effectively.
