A recent study by Brandeis University researchers revealed that around one-third of non-Jewish college students displayed hostile attitudes towards Jews or Israel during the 2023-24 academic year. The study, conducted by the Maurice and Marilyn Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies, shed light on the underlying tensions surrounding Israel and Gaza on college campuses, leading to disruptive protests and university interventions.
The research found that 15% of students surveyed held hostile views towards Israel, including the belief that Israel should not exist. Additionally, nearly a quarter of non-Jewish students expressed unwillingness to befriend supporters of Israel as a Jewish state, effectively isolating Jewish peers. The study also identified 16% of non-Jewish students as hostile towards Jews, with beliefs such as Jews having excessive power in America. A small percentage, 2%, exhibited hostility towards both Jews and Israel, showing the highest level of antisemitic attitudes.
Despite these findings, the majority of non-Jewish students, 66%, did not harbor hostile views towards Jews or Israel. Len Saxe, one of the study’s authors, emphasized the importance of addressing campus antisemitism as a solvable issue, stressing the need for universities and the Jewish community to better understand the diverse perspectives non-Jewish individuals hold regarding Jews and Israel.
The study also explored students’ participation in pro-Palestinian advocacy activities on campus, revealing that 17% attended events supporting Palestinians and 23% shared pro-Palestinian content on social media. In comparison, 9% engaged in pro-Israel activities either in person or online.
Notably, the study highlighted a correlation between progressive beliefs and hostility towards Israel, with a significant percentage of those opposed to Israel identifying as liberal or very liberal. Conversely, students hostile towards Jews but not Israel displayed a more politically diverse range of views.
Salma Hamamy carries a Palestinian flag during a pro-Palestinian protest during the University of Michigan’s commencement ceremony on May 4, 2024 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
The study, which surveyed nearly 4,000 non-Jewish undergraduate students across 60 schools with significant Jewish populations, aimed to gauge anti-Israel and anti-Jewish sentiments among non-Jewish college students. It presented various statements for agreement or disagreement, revealing concerning attitudes towards Jews and Israel among a subset of respondents.
While specific percentages of agreement on certain statements were noted, the researchers emphasized the importance of identifying overarching patterns of belief rather than focusing solely on individual responses. The findings underscored the need for targeted solutions to address the minority of students promoting hostile ideas towards Jews and Israel on campus.
Pro-Palestinian students take down their encampment after reaching a deal with Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island on April 30, 2024. (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images)
Overall, the study highlighted the complex landscape of attitudes towards Jews and Israel on college campuses, emphasizing the need for nuanced approaches to combat antisemitism and promote understanding among students. By addressing the underlying beliefs driving hostility towards Jews and Israel, universities can create a more inclusive and respectful campus environment for all students.