Jewish identity in the context of rising antisemitism

• In Event: Three Perspectives on Antisemitism

Abstract

According to the FBI, the United States is currently experiencing a historic rise in antisemitism, with Northern California a hot spot. Numerous studies in non-Jewish ethnic minorities have shown that experiencing discrimination and bias is detrimental to a strong sense of ethnic identity. Ethnic-racial identity (ERI) broadly refers to the meaning and personal significance of race-ethnicity to an individual. An individual’s understanding of their ethnic identity becomes a critical component of who they are, and their sense of self. While people usually have a positive image of their own group, negative public perceptions and experiences of bias can be internalized. Surprisingly, I know of no study that has quantitatively examined the associations among experiences of antisemitism and ERI in Jews.

Data collection of Jewish participants in Northern California (n = 187) began September 2023. Participants answered questions regarding experiences and concerns around antisemitism. ERI was assessed via the Multi-group Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM; Phinney, 1992) and the American Jewish Identity Scale (AJIS; Friedlander et al., 2010). The MEIM consists of three subscales assessing exploration (e.g., I have spent time trying to find out more about my Jewish identity, such as its history, traditions, and customs), commitment (e.g., I feel a strong attachment towards the Jewish people), and affirmation (e.g., I am happy that I am a member of the Jewish people). The AJIS consists of two subscales assessing religious (e.g., I study Jewish religious texts (e.g., Torah, Talmud, Gemora)) and cultural engagement (e.g., I read Jewish newspapers). Most parents reported that in the past 5 years antisemitism has gotten worse (48.1%) or much worse (40.7%), with 60% of participants having experienced antisemitism (e.g., targeted by antisemitic comments, slurs, or threats).

Findings reveal both higher antisemitic experiences and greater concerns to be associated with greater engagement in cultural and religious practices; and higher endorsement of ethnic identity exploration and commitment. Only concerns around antisemitism was associated with greater identity affirmation. Findings will be discussed within a social-identity framework (Tajfel & Turner, 1979), minority stress model (Frost & Meyer, 2023), with implications for proactive vs reactive interventions and individual responses.

Yael Teff-Seker co-authored this paper.

Author

• Leah Hibel, University of California Davis