The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) released its annual report detailing that antisemitic physical assaults in the United States reached record highs in 2025, including Jewish fatalities on American soil for the first time since 2019.
Key Findings on 2025 Antisemitic Incidents
The report documented a total of 6,274 incidents of antisemitic assaults, harassment, and vandalism throughout 2025, averaging 17 incidents per day. This figure represents a significant increase compared to the 8 daily average recorded between 2020 and 2022.
- Physical Assaults: Increased by 4%.
- Deadly Weapon Use: Assaults involving deadly weapons rose by 39%.
- Fatalities: The report noted Jewish fatalities from antisemitic attacks in the US, an occurrence not seen since 2022.
Notable Incidents and Escalation
The report highlighted several severe incidents, including:
- The fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., last May.
- A firebombing incident in Colorado targeting a Jewish community event organized to raise awareness for hostages in Gaza, which resulted in the death of an 82-year-old woman from her injuries.
ADL's senior vice president for counter-extremism and intelligence, Oren Segal, stated that the surge in physical assaults underscores that high levels of antisemitism endanger Jewish lives.
Trends in Antisemitic Activity
While the overall number of antisemitic incidents saw a 33% decrease compared to 2024, the ADL cautioned that the current levels remain "considerably higher than the total in years prior to the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre in Israel."
Vandalism and Harassment Trends:
- Vandalism incidents decreased by 21%.
- Harassment incidents decreased by 39%.
Campus Activity:
College and university campuses saw the steepest drop in reported incidents. In 2025, the ADL recorded 583 antisemitic incidents on college campuses, a 66% decrease from the 1,694 incidents reported in 2024. The organization attributed this decline partly to increased efforts by colleges to address antisemitism.
Broader Context and Calls for Action
Beyond direct assaults, the ADL's survey data revealed concerning global trends:
- 46% of adults worldwide harbor "deeply entrenched" antisemitic attitudes.
- The number of people holding antisemitic beliefs more than doubled over the last decade.
To combat rising threats, the ADL is advocating for federal-level changes, specifically calling for:
- Strengthening the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to provide resources to vulnerable institutions like synagogues and schools.
- Support for the SACRED Act (Safeguarding Access to Congregations and Religious Establishments from Disruption), which would establish safe access zones around houses of worship to prevent intimidation or obstruction.
