A disturbing new report reveals a sharp rise in antisemitism affecting American Jews in workplaces, with nearly one-third feeling unsafe expressing their Jewish identity. The findings highlight how ongoing tensions and security concerns since the October 7 Hamas attacks have reshaped daily life for Jewish communities.
### Workplace Safety Concerns
– now avoid displaying religious symbols or discussing their heritage at work — up from 18% before October 2023.
– or uncomfortable in their workplaces due to antisemitism.
– have altered their behavior overall, including hiding religious attire or avoiding social media posts about Judaism.
### Key Drivers of Fear
The Israel-Hamas conflict has intensified existing trends:
– Antisemitic incidents surged , including bomb threats targeting synagogues and Jewish businesses.
– Over experienced antisemitism since October 2023, with 25% reporting incidents in their local communities.
– to address antisemitism effectively, down from previous years.
### Corporate and Legal Responses
Organizations like the advocate for stronger workplace protections:
– , RFBF president, emphasizes that faith-friendly policies boost employee morale and productivity. Companies scoring high on RFBF’s — which measures religious inclusion — see reduced discrimination complaints.
– Recent EEOC guidelines require employers to accommodate religious practices, such as Sabbath observance or holiday leave.
### Challenges in Reporting
– go unreported due to fears of retaliation or disbelief.
– felt excluded at work because of their identity, yet 87% hesitated to report these experiences.
### Steps Forward
– and interfaith dialogues help normalize religious expression.
– Training programs, like those offered by RFBF and ADL, educate managers on addressing bias and supporting Jewish staff.
The data paints a stark picture: American Jews increasingly self-censor to avoid harassment, even as legal and corporate frameworks evolve to protect religious freedom. Combating this trend requires proactive measures to ensure workplaces become spaces of genuine inclusion.
