A comprehensive new report by Hadassah, the largest Jewish women's organization in the US, reveals an alarming trend of antisemitism affecting Jewish women across the United States, with 64% reporting that hate and discrimination have directly impacted their lives, relationships, and professional environments.
The study, "From Fear to Resilience: Women Facing Antisemitism," which surveyed more than 1,000 women nationwide, paints a troubling picture through deeply personal accounts of discrimination and fear. The research found that 62% of respondents felt physically or psychologically unsafe, while 52% felt compelled to conceal their Jewish identity.
"I have to think twice about talking about my Judaism, have to feel my way around a conversation about the Middle East to assess if I am speaking with an ally or at least someone open to respectful dialogue," a woman explained.
"I am more anxious. I am never totally relaxed. I am never totally happy. I worry about Israel and the hostages daily. I worry about the planet and the hatred towards Israel and Jews. I worry about the future in a way I never have before," one respondent shared.
The surge in antisemitic incidents has reached unprecedented levels, with FBI data showing that Jews, who comprise only 2.4% of the US population, were the targets of 68% of religiously motivated hate crimes in 2023. This represents a 63% increase from 2022. The situation worsened dramatically after October 7, 2023, with hate incidents against Jews seeing a nearly 400% spike.
Broken friendships and social isolation
Many women reported losing long-term friendships and feeling increasingly isolated. "The biggest way I've been affected is losing lifelong friends over being Jewish and supporting Israel. It's been a lonely, isolating year," one woman revealed. "My non-Jewish family members won't talk to me."
"One friend I tried to greet said she 'had no words for me' with more anger in her voice than I thought she was even capable of. The feeling was like I had been punched in the gut," another respondent shared.
"A few months after the attack, a childhood friend messaged me on Facebook, saying he didn't want to be associated with 'dirty Zionists' and wished harm upon me at the hands of Hamas," another respondent revealed.
Educational institutions under siege
The report documents numerous disturbing incidents in schools and universities. "I have been wanting to drop out of college due to the antisemitism I have faced," shared a student. While a teacher recounted, "I had students draw swastikas on my desk."
"I am especially worried because I see antisemitic teachers presenting lies to students. The Massachusetts Teacher's Association is extremely antisemitic, and they are brainwashing our students in a way that could lead to another Holocaust if this continues for the next decade," a student warned.
"My 12-year-old grandson was told by students at his middle school that he belongs in the ovens. He feels very unsafe there and the principal has not really addressed this issue," another account revealed.
Professional discrimination
Workplace harassment has become increasingly common. "My workplace shared antisemitic websites and information to staff as credible resources. When I suggested these weren't appropriate, I was removed from committees, written up for taking too much vacation time, and had my hours reduced," one woman stated.
"I am a psychiatrist. A former patient posted online that I hate all Palestinians and think they should all be killed (untrue, of course). I blocked them. Another former patient said, 'If you can't come clean on where you stand on Palestine, then I am not sure I can trust you as my doctor.'"
"We've had several new patients cancel when they found out the dentist (my husband) and I were Jewish. It impacts us psychologically and financially," a wife shared.
"I'm an acupuncturist. I treat patients in a recovery home once a week. I treated a patient and was told by management not to come for the next treatments due to the patient's religious reasons," another woman recounted.
Safety in public spaces
The fear extends to everyday activities. "Awaiting a train on a railroad platform, my family and I, who are identifiably Jewish, were stalked and called murderers by an adult male. We fled from the station," one woman recounted.
"Antisemitic actions from within LGBTQ communities made me afraid to attend Pride events and fearful of showing my identity as a Jew in Queer spaces," a gay woman said.
"When I spoke at a city council meeting against a resolution that called Israel an apartheid state, I was booed, hissed and screamed at with 'kill the Jews,'" another shared.
"My medical care is at a university hospital, where anti-Israel demonstrations have taken place. I worry about who is treating me, what their beliefs are and how it might affect my medical care," a patient shared.
Religious observance under attack
Even sacred spaces have become targets. "We have had defacement of some synagogues, people shouting out at us as we walk to service or between our homes. It is not safe for Jews and especially women," one woman reported.
"When I go to shul I don't sit by the door. I sit away from it and have a plan of escape," a woman explained.
"My daughter is a college junior who couldn't attend Passover services on campus due to threats. I've talked to her at two o'clock in the morning, when she calls crying because protesters are defending rape as a justified means of resistance," another mother shared.
"I took down my mezuzah on my front door in fear of vandalism to my home," a woman expalined.
Signs of resilience
Despite these challenges, many women are finding strength. "It has made my already inward and outward pride of being a Jewish Zionist that much stronger. It has made me try harder than ever to support Jewish-owned businesses," one respondent declared.
"I think a lot about when and where I should wear my Jewish Star. However, I will also sometimes wear it in defiance of what could be uncomfortable situations," another woman stated, demonstrating the growing resistance to intimidation.
"I hope my boys are learning what it means to be a real mensch by watching how their parents and community are standing up to antisemitism," a mother shared.
"My initial reaction was to be afraid and hide but I thought about my relatives who were killed in the Holocaust, and it empowered me to become a fighter instead. I'm still afraid but I proudly wear my star, have Israeli and American flags in front of my house, and have a blue porch light on at night to show my support of Israel."
