Jews Are Being Removed From Polite Society

Reports Document Incidents of Antisemitism in North America and Europe

Individuals who grew up in the United States during the late 20th century have described an absence of overt antisemitic incidents in their personal experiences. They attended the same schools, participated in the same sports, and frequented the same public establishments as non-Jewish peers. Accounts from that period indicate limited exposure to explicit anti-Jewish actions in everyday settings.

In recent years, observers have cited specific cases involving the editing of online reference materials and restrictions on campus access. One documented effort involved additions to a Wikipedia entry on Marwan Barghouti, referencing an indictment that alleged his knowledge of and funding for an attack in which two individuals were wounded. Those additions were removed within 24 hours and moved to a footnote. Separate reports have described Jewish professors facing barriers to entering certain university buildings. Broader claims of systematic removal of Jewish historical content from Wikipedia remain under discussion among editors and contributors.

Historical records show that Jewish communities in Europe faced repeated expulsions and legal restrictions over centuries. In the United States, Jewish participation in public life dates to the colonial period. Hayim Solomon provided substantial financial support to the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and died in 1785 without full repayment of the funds raised. Jewish enrollment at institutions such as Harvard University faced numerical limits in the early 20th century under policies implemented by President A. Lawrence Lowell. Later enrollment data indicated that Jewish students comprised between one-quarter and one-third of the undergraduate population at certain points.

Sports competitions have produced documented instances of non-participation or refusal of customary gestures. Following a 3-0 victory by Israel’s national team over Bosnia and Herzegovina, members of the Bosnian squad declined to shake hands with Israeli players. Israel has competed in European qualifying groups for the FIFA World Cup because several Middle Eastern federations have declined matches against Israeli teams. Iranian athletes have forfeited events rather than compete against Israeli opponents. An Egyptian national team coach produced a video in which he described beginning each day by cursing Jews and Christians while displaying a Palestinian flag during a match, even as Egypt maintains border barriers with Gaza.

Public statements by elected officials have drawn attention in several cities. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has used the term “monsters” when referring to supporters of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Jewish students have reported reviewing university options based on campus climate assessments following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas and subsequent responses.

Data from multiple monitoring organizations indicate that antisemitic incidents in the United States and parts of Europe increased after October 2023. At the same time, surveys have shown that a majority of Americans continue to express no personal hostility toward Jews as a group. Jewish communities have historically responded to localized restrictions by relocating activities to other institutions or regions, as occurred after earlier quota systems at elite universities.

Criticism of Israeli government policies has appeared alongside incidents that target individuals based solely on Jewish identity. Distinguishing between the two categories remains a point of ongoing public debate. Some athletes and organizations have cited political objections to Israeli participation as the reason for refusals to compete or engage in standard protocols.

Jewish organizations continue to track participation rates in professions, academia, and civic life. Historical patterns show that Jewish Americans have maintained presence in the United States without nationwide expulsion, unlike repeated actions taken by various European governments over earlier centuries. Current discussions focus on identifying specific institutions and localities where reported incidents have occurred and where participation remains stable.

The United States marks its 250th anniversary in 2026. Jewish communities have been part of the country’s development since before independence, with continued involvement in business, academia, and public service.