Survey finds 1 In 5 Australians hold significant antisemitic views
The Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) latest Global Index of Antisemitism reveals an alarming rise in antisemitic attitudes worldwide, with nearly half of all adults—an estimated 2.2 billion people—holding significant antisemitic beliefs. The 2025 survey, the most comprehensive of its kind, highlights that younger people are more likely to discriminate against Jews, underscoring the urgency of education and awareness initiatives.
Jonathan Greenblatt
The survey asked 58,000 respondents across 103 countries and territories whether they agreed with 11 antisemitic tropes, such as “Jews’ loyalty is only to Israel” and “Jews have too much power in the business world.” Those who agreed with more than half were categorised as holding “significant antisemitic beliefs.” ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt called the findings a “global emergency,” emphasising the need for urgent, coordinated action to combat the normalisation of antisemitism.
Australia, while not among the worst globally, reflects these troubling trends. One in five Australians now holds significant antisemitic views, up from one in seven in 2014. This places the nation in line with Oceania’s regional average of 20%, a relatively lower rate than in the Middle East (76%) or Eastern Europe (49%), but still a cause for concern.
Dr Colin Rubenstein, Executive Director of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC), described the Australian findings as “gravely concerning.” He warned that the rise in antisemitism is undermining the nation’s multicultural fabric, stating, “It demonstrates that the constant demonisation of Israel, especially in Australia, is having extremely negative consequences for our local Jewish community. These results are yet more evidence that we are currently facing a serious challenge to the multiculturalism, based on mutual respect and tolerance, that is a cornerstone of our democratic society.” He urged the government and judiciary to act decisively to counter the threat, saying, “Governments and authorities, including the judiciary and law enforcement, must act strongly and expeditiously to counter this problem.”
The ADL’s findings reflect broader global patterns, with younger demographics particularly vulnerable. Globally, 50% of people under 35 endorsed antisemitic tropes, compared to 37% of those over 50. Holocaust awareness was also significantly lower among younger respondents, with only 39% recognising its historical accuracy. In Australia, this generational gap has renewed calls for expanded Holocaust education as a critical step in combating prejudice.
Speaking to the Australian Financial Review, Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin, highlighted the daily challenges faced by Jewish Australians, saying, “New media is awash with co-ordinated efforts to turn society against the Jewish community using stereotypes and conspiracy theories that have plagued the world for centuries.” He added, “Every societal ill from economic downturn to a pandemic can be blamed on the Jews. What is particularly concerning is that it is online influencers with enormous followings who are responsible for spreading this harm, with virtually no one outside the Jewish community opposing it.”
Ryvchin emphasised the importance of education in combating these trends, stating, “The Jewish community has long advocated antisemitism education to unpack these myths to prevent society from being hoodwinked by them.”
Antisemitism levels showed significant variation across countries and regions, with the Middle East and North Africa recording the highest rates. Around three-quarters of respondents in the region endorsed a majority of antisemitic statements, with the West Bank and Gaza topping the list at 97%, followed by Kuwait and Bahrain. Additionally, 59% of respondents in the region expressed favourable views of Hamas.
In contrast, Iran reported the lowest level of antisemitism in the Middle East, with 49% of respondents holding significant antisemitic views, making it the least antisemitic among the 18 countries surveyed in the region.
Western Europe had the lowest rate of antisemitism globally, at 17%, followed by the Americas (24%), Oceania (20%), Sub-Saharan Africa (45%), Eastern Europe (49%), Asia (51%), and the Middle East and North Africa (76%). Sweden, Norway, Canada, and the Netherlands were identified as the least antisemitic countries, while Russia emerged as the most antisemitic country in Europe, with 62% of respondents endorsing antisemitic beliefs. In the United States, 9% of respondents held significant antisemitic views.
Since the last global survey in 2014, antisemitic views have seen a 108% increase over the past decade. This alarming trend underscores the growing need for concerted efforts to combat prejudice and hatred on a global scale.
Recent antisemitic incidents in Australia underscore the urgency. Recently, Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue was firebombed, Newtown synagogue in Sydney was targeted with arson and swastika graffiti, and several Jewish-owned properties were vandalised.
Jillian Segal, Australia’s special envoy for antisemitism, called these incidents calculated attempts to instil fear, saying, “These are not just acts of vandalism. They are designed to send a message of fear into the community.” Segal has urged the Prime Minister to convene a national cabinet meeting to coordinate responses across states, toughen sentencing for hate crimes, and train the judiciary to recognise the societal impact of antisemitism.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken preliminary steps, meeting with key state leaders and federal police. His government has also adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and launched Special Operation Avalite to address hate crimes. However, Segal and other advocates stress that stronger coordination is needed.
The ADL has urged governments globally to adopt its Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism, which outline measures to protect Jewish communities and challenge harmful stereotypes. With one in five Australians now harbouring antisemitic views, the findings highlight the critical need for unified action to combat hate and preserve Australia’s multicultural values.
