The Cohen Center for Contemporary Jewish Studies at Brandeis University in Massachusetts conducted an analysis of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel rhetoric among students on 60 American college campuses over the past year.
Since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, heated debates about war and anti-Semitism have continued in American educational institutions. However, according to research by sociologists at the Cohen Center, the general perception of the situation is distorted. It is based on a limited number of loud and aggressive statements on social media and does not reflect the views of the majority of students, both Jewish and non-Jewish.
The study surveyed thousands of Jewish students and more than 4,000 non-Jewish students on 60 campuses to determine their views on anti-Semitism and Israel. The December 2023 report found that most Jewish students perceived a hostile environment on their campuses, but few experienced direct threats.
An April 2024 report found that more than 90% of Jewish students view the denial of Israel’s right to exist as anti-Semitism, although they do not consider criticism of human rights in Israel to be the same. In August 2024, the results of the surveys among non-Jewish students were presented. The researchers noted that two-thirds of the non-Jewish students surveyed showed no hostility toward Jews or Israel.
However, the study identified two groups of students whose views may contribute to the rise of anti-Semitism. The first group, representing around 15%, demonstrates extreme hostility towards Israel, refusing to recognize its right to exist and avoiding communication with those who have a different point of view. This hostility, according to researchers, poisons interactions with Jewish students, since the latter consider this attitude anti-Semitic.
The second group, also about 15% non-Jewish students, openly endorses anti-Jewish stereotypes, such as claims that “Jews have too much power in America.” They are often not politically motivated, but rather support anti-Israel rhetoric associated with traditional conspiracy theories.
The researchers emphasize that the conflict in the Middle East is now in its second year and that the problems causing tension at universities are unlikely to be resolved anytime soon. Universities must find ways to support Jewish students while respecting freedom of expression, and educators must consider how to handle discussions about difficult topics.
Previously, Cursor reported that an anti-Semite in the US Congress was offended by a spacious cartoon featuring a pager.
