Anti-Semitism is reaching record levels according to data from the FBI – Concerned Women for America

Anti-Semitism in the United States has reached unprecedented levels at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reporting a staggering 63% increase in anti-Semitic incidents by 2023. The total number of incidents, 1,832, is the highest ever recorded in US history, and reflects a disturbing escalation of hostility toward Jewish individuals and communities.

The 2023 State of anti-Semitism in America report from the American Jewish Committee (AJC) revealed that 69% of American Jews have experienced or witnessed anti-Semitic hatred in recent years, while 41% feel less safe in the US than just a year ago. These results underline the severity of the problem, with anti-Semitism becoming more prevalent in areas such as education and mainstream media.

According to the AJC report, 46% of Americans now consider anti-Semitism a “very serious problem,” a significant increase from previous years.

Universities, once heralded as bastions of intellectual exchange, have become ground zero for this anti-Semitic sentiment. At the City University of New York (CUNY), Jewish students have done just that reported feel excluded, not only because of political differences, but also because of their ethnic identity. Similar trends have been observed at institutions such as Harvard, ColombiaAnd UCLAThis indicates that anti-Semitism is becoming a systemic problem in higher education. The line between legitimate criticism of Israeli policies and outright anti-Semitism is becoming increasingly blurred, raising concerns about the nature of campus discourse.

As anti-Semitism grows, so does the threat to religious freedom in the United States – a cornerstone of the country’s identity. If Jewish students, teachers, and citizens feel unsafe in environments designed to promote learning, dialogue, and community, the future of religious freedom itself is in jeopardy. The freedom to practice one’s faith without fear of persecution is not just a Jewish issue; it’s American. If we fail to protect this right for one group, we risk losing it for all faith communities.

Despite 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 active respond to the rise of anti-Semitism through the Young Women for America chapters. These chapters have organized prayer vigils on college campuses across the country, providing a peaceful response to growing anti-Semitic rhetoric. The CWA’s efforts are intended to provide support to students facing hostility and to affirm the importance of religious freedom in American society.

Bethany Molenaar is a communications specialist and media consultant who works with ministries, interest groups and conservative media. Her journalistic work focuses on the intersection of faith, culture and politics. She is a Young Women for America ambassador.