Voice of the People, a global initiative led by President Isaac Herzog to unite and empower Jewish communities worldwide, on Wednesday released its 2025 Jewish Landscape Report. The report reveals that antisemitism is the top concern among Jewish communities everywhere, cutting across age, geography, and denomination.
Drawing on responses from over 10,000 Jews worldwide, the findings show that the rise in antisemitism has surpassed all other issues in both urgency and emotional impact.
The findings—collected over several months through a survey conducted in partnership with the World Zionist Organization, the Jewish Agency for Israel, and leading philanthropic groups—will form the basis for Voice of the People’s Global Jewish Council. This council, composed of 150 leaders from Israel, North America, and Jewish communities worldwide, is charged with developing strategic responses to the issues identified.
Perhaps the 150 honorable leaders should first consult the opinion of first- and second-century sage Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, who taught (Midrash Sifri): “Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai said, the law is, it is known that Esau hates Jacob.”
Esau in this context represents all the gentiles, and Jacob is all the Jews, and the normative state of affairs is, according to Rabbi Shimon, that the gentiles hate Jews. Hatred of Jews is part of nature, the default choice of the universe, like rain and sun, winter and summer, the fruits of the trees, the birds and the bees, life, and especially death. And just as we cannot change the weather, no matter how much we talk about it, so we cannot do anything about antisemitism because it is also a force of nature.
DEFEAT ANTISEMITISM, UNITE THE JEWS, RINSE, REPEAT
To ensure broad reach and representation, Voice of the People employed a non-traditional data collection approach, combining partner organization networks with extensive digital campaigns and targeted social media outreach. This innovative method enabled diverse participation, capturing authentic voices from across the global Jewish community.
Across generations and regions, a clear throughline emerges: Jewish communities are facing increased vulnerability, yet there is also a strong, renewed commitment to identity, unity, and collective action.
The survey results highlight five key challenges shaping Jewish life today, underscoring a renewed call for collective resilience, identity, and action. Here are the issues identified and the percentage of respondents expressing concern:
Rising Antisemitism (76%)
Antisemitism, which has surged to unprecedented levels since October 7, was the top concern by a wide margin. Respondents shared personal experiences of hate speech, exclusion, and discrimination—especially in schools, universities, and on social media. Many reported feeling compelled to hide their Jewish identity in public out of fear. This concern cuts across all ages, regions, and levels of observance.
Israel–Diaspora Relations (56%)
Tensions between Israel and Jewish communities abroad emerged as a major worry. Many respondents noted a growing ideological and emotional divide, particularly among younger Jews. Still, a strong connection to Israel remains, with many viewing it as a refuge and a symbol of collective strength.
Jewish–Non-Jewish Relations (49%)
Nearly half of the participants expressed anxiety about worsening relations with non-Jewish communities. Many described feeling alienated, especially within progressive spaces where they previously felt welcomed. Misinformation, anti-Israel rhetoric, and ignorance of Jewish history were cited as key factors driving mistrust and social isolation.
Polarization Within the Jewish World (49%)
Internal divisions—political, ideological, and generational—are increasingly seen as obstacles to unity. Respondents emphasized the importance of fostering respectful dialogue across diverse Jewish communities and denominations. Many called for a renewed focus on shared values and collective responsibility, particularly during times of crisis.
Preserving Jewish Culture and Heritage (46%)
Concerns about cultural continuity were especially strong among older respondents. Many highlighted the urgent need for enhanced Jewish education, storytelling, and communal engagement to ensure that future generations remain connected to their heritage.
