63% say antisemitism is a serious problem in the U.S.
The AP-NORC poll, conducted among Jewish adults nationwide and released July 9, found that 63% of respondents consider prejudice against Jewish people an “extremely” or “very” serious problem in the U.S. At the same time, few Jewish adults said they believe either President Donald Trump and the Republican Party or the Democratic Party is doing a good job supporting Jewish people in the United States.
The findings come nearly three years after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel that triggered the war in Gaza. For some Jewish Democrats, the intensifying criticism of Israel within their party has created a sense of distance from the political coalitions they once belonged to.
Yahm Levin, a 39-year-old Jewish Democrat from Los Angeles, told the AP that she sometimes fears using her first or last name when meeting new people, even those who share her progressive politics. Levin said being identified as a Jew who lived in Israel has triggered uncomfortable questions from fellow Democrats.
“I don’t really feel comfortable in leftist circles anymore,” said Levin, a former librarian. She said she introduces herself by her middle name, Shelly, which she said feels safer. “I just want to be a Jewish American who has a connection to Israel. But I feel like I can’t do that. And it’s very frustrating. And sometimes a little scary.”
Levin said the intensifying criticism of Israel within the Democratic Party has left her feeling “politically homeless.”