Last year, 1,853 incidents were registered. In 2022–2023 — only 289. The growth over two years is more than eightfold.

Where is it more dangerous — on campus or online?

The Hillel report notes a 22% decrease in physical violence, threats, and vandalism, to 752 cases. But behind this statistic lies another, more extensive and frightening reality: harassment has moved online.

• The number of online bullying and harassment cases has increased by 185%.
• Universities have become the arena for anonymous, but regular and systematic attacks on Jewish students.
• Harassment includes both the humiliation and devaluation of Jewish identity, and accusations that Jews themselves are supposedly to blame for the hatred towards them.

The youth environment, which was associated with freedom of thought and openness just yesterday, is becoming increasingly hostile to those who wear a Star of David around their neck or write “from Israel” in their profile.

October 7 as a watershed

After the HAMAS attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Jews around the world faced a new wave of hatred. This is not limited to criticism of Israel or discussion of the conflict. 

This is a surge of aggression directed against Jews themselves, regardless of their views. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recorded 9,354 cases of antisemitism in the US for 2024 — also a record figure.

Is there an answer?

Hillel International President Adam Lehman notes that some universities have started to respond. Some have reviewed behavior policies, some have strengthened online space moderation, and some — simply began to listen to Jewish students.

“When universities take responsibility and truly maintain order, everyone wins — both Jewish students and the entire university environment becomes safer and more inclusive.” 

But the question is different — is this enough? And will a young Jew on the campuses of Harvard, the University of California, or Chicago be able to feel free — without fear and internal censorship?

Israel — a country where Jews are at home

In the context of these numbers, it becomes clear: Israel is the only country in the world where a Jew feels safe not because of an “inclusive policy,” but because it is home.
Here, Jews do not need to look over their shoulders and hide their identity.
Here, a student with a kippah is the norm, not a target.
Here, the word “Jew” does not require protection — because it is foundational to everything.

Comment by Marina Rosenberg-Koritny, head of the WZO Department for the Promotion of Aliyah

This statistic is not just a report. It’s a mirror. It shows how quickly the climate can change even in the freest and most open societies. And it reminds us why Israel exists. Not as a geopolitical project. But as a guarantee — the last and only one — that Jews will not be left alone, as we know too well from history.