Anti-Defamation League says anger at Israel now the driving force behind antisemitism in U.S.

Los Angeles Times - Apr 22nd, 2025
Open on Los Angeles Times

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported a record high of 9,354 antisemitic incidents in the US in 2024, with 58% being related to Israel. This rise is attributed to protests against Israel's military actions in Gaza following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The ADL's report has intensified debates within the American Jewish community regarding the boundaries between criticism of Israeli policies and antisemitism. The situation has been complicated by President Trump's administration's actions against universities and pro-Palestinian activists, raising concerns about the potential exploitation of legitimate fears of antisemitism.

The report highlights that Jewish students on university campuses frequently face antisemitic hostility, adding urgency to the need for protective measures. The ADL's stance, however, has drawn criticism from various Jewish leaders who argue that it has supported the administration's harsh measures against dissenting voices. ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt has sought to clarify the organization's position, emphasizing the importance of protecting civil liberties for all. Beyond Israel-related incidents, the report noted a 344% increase in antisemitic incidents over five years, with assaults, vandalism, and propaganda activities by white supremacist groups contributing to the rise.

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RATING

8.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and accurate overview of the rise in antisemitic incidents in the U.S., as reported by the Anti-Defamation League. It effectively balances factual reporting with analysis, presenting multiple perspectives on the complex issues surrounding antisemitism and criticism of Israel. The use of reputable sources and clear presentation of data enhances the article's credibility and readability.

While the article is well-balanced and timely, it could benefit from more diverse perspectives and additional context to further enhance transparency and engagement. The exploration of political and social dimensions adds depth to the narrative, making it relevant to ongoing public debates.

Overall, the article successfully informs readers about the current state of antisemitism in the U.S. and its broader implications, while encouraging thoughtful reflection on the challenges of addressing hate speech and protecting civil liberties.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The article accurately reports on the Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) findings regarding antisemitic incidents in the U.S. in 2024. The claim of 9,354 incidents, marking a record high, is consistent with the ADL's official report. The story correctly identifies that 58% of these incidents were Israel-related, a key finding that aligns with the ADL's documentation. It also accurately attributes the rise in antisemitic incidents to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent military responses, which is a context provided by the ADL.

The article accurately describes the nature of incidents counted as antisemitic, including chants and signs at rallies, and distinguishes between criticism of Israel and antisemitism, which the ADL also clarifies. The narrative about university campuses as hotspots for antisemitic incidents is corroborated by the ADL's data. The political backdrop involving the Trump administration's actions against universities and activists is reported with fidelity to the facts available.

However, the story could benefit from more precise sourcing for some of its claims, particularly regarding individual anecdotes like Mahmoud Khalil's detention. Overall, the article's factual claims are well-supported by the ADL's report and other corroborating sources.

8
Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the complex issues surrounding antisemitism, criticism of Israel, and the political climate in the U.S. It includes perspectives from various stakeholders, including Jewish leaders, the ADL, and critics of the ADL, which broadens the range of viewpoints and contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the topic.

The article highlights the debate within the Jewish community about what constitutes antisemitism, especially in relation to criticism of Israel and Zionism. It gives voice to both those who are concerned about antisemitism and those who critique the ADL's stance, such as progressive Jewish leaders and commentators like Matt Bai.

While the article is well-balanced, it could have further explored the perspectives of those who support the Trump administration's policies or those who might view the ADL's findings differently. Including these viewpoints would enhance the article's comprehensiveness and neutrality.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and presents information in a clear and logical manner. The language is straightforward, making complex issues accessible to a general audience. The use of subheadings and quotes from relevant stakeholders helps to organize the information and guide the reader through the narrative.

The article effectively balances the presentation of factual data with commentary and analysis, which aids in understanding the multifaceted nature of the topic. However, the inclusion of more detailed explanations or definitions of key terms, such as 'antisemitism' and 'Zionism,' could improve clarity for readers who may not be familiar with these concepts.

Overall, the article maintains a neutral tone and avoids sensationalism, which contributes to its clarity and readability. The logical flow and coherent presentation of information make it easy to follow the arguments and understand the key points.

8
Source quality

The primary source for the article is the Anti-Defamation League, a reputable organization known for its work in tracking antisemitism and extremism. The use of ADL data lends credibility to the article, as the organization is a recognized authority in this field. The article also references statements from Jewish leaders and critics of the ADL, providing a diverse range of perspectives.

However, while the ADL is a credible source, the article could benefit from additional sources or corroborating data from independent studies or other organizations monitoring antisemitism. This would strengthen the reliability of the claims and provide a more comprehensive view of the issue.

The inclusion of opinions from commentators like Matt Bai and leaders such as Amy Spitalnick adds depth to the article, but further attribution to specific studies or reports would enhance the overall source quality.

7
Transparency

The article provides a clear context for the ADL's findings and the broader political and social issues surrounding antisemitism in the U.S. It explains the methodology used by the ADL to categorize incidents and the criteria for what constitutes antisemitism, which adds to the transparency of the reporting.

However, the article could improve transparency by offering more detailed explanations of the ADL's evaluation process for incidents and how they differentiate between antisemitic acts and legitimate criticism of Israel. Additionally, more information about the sources of anecdotal evidence, such as the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, would enhance transparency.

Overall, while the article provides a good level of transparency regarding the ADL's findings, it could benefit from more explicit details on the methodology and potential biases or limitations of the data presented.

Sources

  1. https://www.axios.com/2025/04/22/adl-survey-antisemitc-incidents-record-level-2024
  2. https://www.timesofisrael.com/adl-says-2024-antisemitic-incidents-in-us-shattered-records-for-fourth-year-in-a-row/
  3. https://newengland.adl.org/2024-audit/
  4. https://www.kgw.com/article/news/nation-world/anti-defamation-league-antisemitism-in-the-us-2024-report/507-7ffeaa6f-fcdd-4056-805a-3e074098be5c
  5. https://www.adl.org/resources/report/antisemitic-attitudes-america-2024