Nearly half of the world’s population holds antisemitic beliefs

In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Global 100 survey, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) conducted a comprehensive study across 103 countries and territories. The results, published in late 2024, reveal a startling statistic: approximately 46% of the world’s adult population harbors antisemitic views. This figure represents a dramatic doubling over the past decade, with an estimated 2.2 billion individuals now subscribing to these prejudices, as reported by Politico.

The ADL, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to combating antisemitism and intolerance, highlighted the growing prevalence of antisemitic stereotypes. According to the survey:

Nearly half of respondents agreed with most of the 11 antisemitic tropes presented, such as "Jews are responsible for most of the world’s wars" or "Jews are more loyal to Israel than to their home countries."
Only 48% of participants acknowledged the historical accuracy of the Holocaust. Among those aged 18 to 34, this figure dropped to 39%, with 27% admitting they had never heard of the Holocaust.
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL, expressed grave concern, noting, “The persistent virus of hate that has targeted Jews for centuries has reemerged with alarming force. The recent acts of terrorism, hate crimes, and vandalism mark one of the deadliest periods for Jewish communities since the Holocaust.”

The ADL's findings also revealed stark regional differences:

Middle East and North Africa (MENA): 76% of respondents endorsed antisemitic stereotypes.
Asia, Eastern Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa: Approximately half of the participants displayed high levels of antisemitic sentiment.
North America, Western Europe, Oceania: While antisemitism was less pervasive, about 20% of adults still expressed prejudiced views.
Greenblatt further noted the normalization of antisemitic demonstrations and rhetoric, referencing recent rallies in cities like New York, Sydney, and Toronto, where extremist groups openly displayed flags of Hamas and Hezbollah. Disturbingly, the survey found that nearly a quarter of respondents globally expressed a positive view of Hamas, a recognized terrorist organization.

Despite these alarming trends, the survey also uncovered opportunities for change:

57% of respondents acknowledged that hatred of Jews is a significant global issue.
The ADL called on governments and international organizations to adopt robust measures, including hate crime legislation and targeted education programs about the Holocaust.
Greenblatt emphasized, “Governments must implement the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism to protect vulnerable communities and address this existential threat.”

The resurgence of antisemitism has coincided with heightened tensions in the Middle East. The ADL survey follows a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, brokered with international mediation. The deal, reached in January 2025, aims to end 15 months of conflict and includes provisions for the exchange of hostages and prisoners.

The war began in October 2023 after Hamas militants launched attacks that killed 1,200 people, primarily civilians, and captured over 250 hostages. While the ceasefire agreement brings hope, the volatile situation underscores the urgent need to address the underlying factors fueling hatred and division.

The ADL’s report serves as a sobering reminder of the pervasive and growing threat of antisemitism. It calls for immediate global action to combat hate, foster education, and promote social cohesion. Left unchecked, antisemitism not only endangers Jewish communities but also undermines the stability and values of societies worldwide.