Antisemitism in the United States has reached unprecedented levels with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reporting a staggering 63% increase in antisemitic incidents in 2023. The total number of incidents, 1,832, marks the highest ever recorded in U.S. history, reflecting a troubling escalation of hostility toward Jewish individuals and communities.
The 2023 State of Antisemitism in America report by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) revealed that 69% of American Jews have experienced or witnessed antisemitic hate in recent years, while 41% feel less secure in the U.S. than they did just a year ago. These results underscore the seriousness of the issue, with antisemitism appearing more frequently in areas such as education and mainstream media.
According to the AJC report, 46% of Americans now consider antisemitism to be a “very serious problem,” a significant increase from previous years.
Universities, once heralded as bastions of intellectual exchange, have become ground zero for this antisemitic sentiment. At the City University of New York (CUNY), Jewish students have reported feeling ostracized, not just for political differences, but for their ethnic identity. Similar trends have been observed at institutions such as Harvard, Columbia, and UCLA, signaling that antisemitism is becoming a systemic issue in higher education. The line between legitimate criticism of Israeli policy and outright antisemitism is becoming increasingly blurred, raising concerns about the nature of discourse on campuses.
As antisemitism grows, so too does the danger to religious freedom in the United States—a cornerstone of the nation’s identity. If Jewish students, faculty members, and citizens feel unsafe in environments designed to promote learning, dialogue, and community, the future of religious liberty itself is in jeopardy. The freedom to practice faith without fear of persecution is not just a Jewish issue; it is an American one. If we fail to protect this right for one group, we risk losing it for all faith communities.
Despite the growing awareness, actionable solutions remain readily available yet untouched, necessitating greater involvement from universities, advocacy groups, organizations, and policymakers.
Concerned Women for America (CWA) has been actively responding to the rise of antisemitism through its Young Women for America chapters. These chapters have organized prayer vigils on college campuses nationwide, offering a peaceful response to the growing antisemitic rhetoric. CWA’s efforts seek to provide support for students facing hostility and to affirm the importance of religious freedom in American society.
Bethany Miller is a communications specialist and media consultant who collaborates with ministries, advocacy groups, and conservative outlets. Her journalistic work focuses on the intersection of faith, culture, and politics. She is a Young Women for America Ambassador.