In the wake of the Israel-Hamas war, Jewish college students in the United States are facing a disturbing surge in antisemitism on their campuses, according to a survey conducted by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Hillel International. The study, which surveyed 3,084 college students from 689 campuses across the country, revealed that nearly 73% of Jewish students experienced or witnessed antisemitic incidents since the start of the 2023-24 academic year, an increase from 63% in 2021. In comparison, 44% of non-Jewish students reported similar experiences.

The survey also indicated a significant decline in the sense of safety and support among Jewish students. Prior to the October 7 terror attacks in Israel, 67% of Jewish students felt physically safe on campus. However, this number dropped to 46% after the attacks. Similarly, the percentage of Jewish students who felt emotionally safe on campus decreased from 66% to 33% following the attacks. Additionally, 64% of Jewish students believed their universities were welcoming and supportive before the war, but this figure decreased to 44% afterward.

ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt expressed concern over the increasing antisemitism faced by Jewish students, emphasizing that non-Jewish students often fail to recognize the severity of the issue. He called for college leaders to take greater action in addressing this threat, as Jewish students should not have to fear for their safety or hide their identities on campus.

The rise in antisemitic incidents on campuses has led to several colleges being placed under federal investigation for antisemitism and Islamophobia. This includes prestigious institutions such as Cornell, Columbia, and the University of Pennsylvania. If found to be in violation, these schools could potentially lose federal funding. Examples of specific incidents include a Cornell University student being arrested for making antisemitic threats online and Jewish students at Cooper Union in New York City being barricaded inside the library during a protest.

In addition to the plight faced by Jewish students, Palestinian, Muslim, and Arab students have also reported an increasingly hostile climate on campuses. These students have described instances of personal information being maliciously shared online, known as doxxing. Furthermore, an Arab Muslim student at Stanford University was hospitalized after being involved in a hit-and-run incident, which prompted a hate crime investigation.

The release of this survey paints a disconcerting picture of hate on college campuses across the United States. Adam Lehman, President and CEO of Hillel International, expressed concern over the widespread experiences with antisemitism and its impact on Jewish students' ability to openly express their identities. The ADL and Hillel International hope that the survey's findings will prompt colleges and universities to take immediate and effective measures to combat antisemitism and create safe and inclusive environments for all students.