Shocking surge: Antisemitic attacks hit record high in the U.S. in 2024

A disturbing new report from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has revealed that 2024 witnessed the highest number of antisemitic incidents in the United States since the organization began tracking such data in 1979. The report outlines a continued and significant rise in antisemitic activity following the October 7 Hamas-led massacre in Israel, with this year marking the fourth consecutive annual increase and a dramatic new high in recorded incidents.

According to the ADL’s findings, 9,354 antisemitic incidents—ranging from harassment and vandalism to physical assaults—were reported across the U.S. in 2024. This reflects a 5% increase from 2023, which had already broken previous records. Over the past five years, such incidents have surged by a staggering 344%, and by 893% over the past decade.

For the first time, incidents involving Zionist or Israel-related themes comprised the majority of all recorded cases, accounting for 58% of total incidents in 2024. The report classifies the incidents into three main categories: physical assaults, harassment, and vandalism.

There were 196 documented physical assaults in 2024, representing a 21% increase from the previous year. These attacks specifically targeted individuals identified as Jewish or perceived to be Jewish, often involving clear antisemitic motivations. At least 250 victims were affected, though none of the incidents were fatal. Notably, Orthodox Jews were targeted in approximately 30% of these assaults.

Vandalism accounted for 2,606 incidents—up 20% from 2023. Many of these acts involved antisemitic symbols such as swastikas, which were present in 37% of the cases. Harassment incidents remained the most prevalent, totaling 6,552 cases, including 647 bomb threats. These incidents involved antisemitic insults, stereotypes, and hate speech, many of which were recorded during anti-Israel protests.

Perhaps most alarming was the sharp 84% rise in antisemitic incidents on college and university campuses, with 1,694 cases reported. Campus-related events now make up 18% of all reported incidents—an unprecedented proportion in the ADL’s reporting history.

The ADL's 2024 report paints a sobering picture of the current climate for Jews in America, highlighting an urgent need for action, education, and heightened security to counter this dangerous trend.