Israel-related antisemitism drives record numbers in ADL’s 2024 audit

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) released its annual audit on antisemitic incidents in 2024, revealing a disturbing increase in antisemitism across the country. According to the report, there were a total of 9,354 antisemitic incidents recorded, marking a 5% increase from the previous year and a staggering 926% increase since tracking began in 1979.

The audit detailed the types of antisemitic incidents reported, including 196 assaults, 2,606 incidents of vandalism, and 6,552 incidents of harassment. This marks the fourth consecutive year that antisemitic incidents have broken previous records, with more than 25 targeted anti-Jewish incidents occurring each day in 2024.

ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt expressed deep concern over the rise in antisemitism, calling it a “horrifying level of antisemitism” that has become a grim reality for American Jewish communities. Greenblatt emphasized that antisemitism is an irrational hatred of individuals or institutions simply because they are Jewish, and noted that the ADL has never seen numbers like this before.

For the first time, a majority of antisemitic incidents (58%) were related to Israel or Zionism, with many occurring at anti-Israel rallies. The ADL found that Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) were the most active organizers of protests where antisemitic incidents occurred. College campuses also saw an 84% increase in reported antisemitic incidents, with 1,694 incidents recorded in 2024.

Despite the rise in antisemitic incidents, the ADL was careful to distinguish between criticisms of Israel’s government and actual antisemitism. Greenblatt emphasized that healthy debates about Israel can exist without crossing into antisemitic rhetoric.

Oren Segal, ADL’s Senior Vice President for Counter-Extremism and Intelligence, encouraged Americans to view the audit as a blueprint for addressing and combating antisemitism in the future. The ADL’s H.E.A.T. Map provides a comprehensive dataset of hate, extremism, antisemitism, and terrorism incidents from 2016 to 2024, offering valuable insights for advocacy and research efforts.

In conclusion, the rise in antisemitic incidents in 2024 serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of hatred and bigotry faced by Jewish communities. It is imperative for individuals and organizations to stand united against antisemitism and work towards creating a more inclusive and tolerant society.