Anti-Semitism, USA

Scared to be a Jew: Jewish teens conceal faith symbols with rise of anti-Semitism

One-third of Jewish students report concealing faith accessories out of fear.

(Photo: Shawn Goldberg/ Shutterstock )

A new survey paints a troubling picture of Jewish youth navigating a world increasingly marked by antisemitism. Conducted by Mosaic Teens, a branch of Mosaic United in collaboration with Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism, the study reveals that roughly one-third of Jewish teens globally have ceased wearing visible symbols of their faith, such as kippot or Star of David necklaces, due to escalating hostility.

The survey, which included responses from nearly 800 Jewish teenagers, found that 47.4% of participants have encountered antisemitism directly, with the majority of these incidents unfolding within school environments. Notably, peers are often the culprits, with 68.7% of those affected attributing the hostility to fellow students.

A new survey underscores a deeply troubling aspect of antisemitism affecting Jewish teenagers. The research, conducted by Mosaic Teens in partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism, reveals that 26.6% of Jewish teens have faced antisemitism from teachers, while 27.4% reported similar hostility from school administrators. This issue appears especially pronounced in the United States.

The survey also highlights a significant concern regarding educational content, with 14.3% of respondents encountering antisemitic themes in school assignments or curricula. This troubling trend reflects a broader problem within American schools, exacerbating the challenges Jewish students face in their educational environments.

* The Jerusalem Post contributed to this article.


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