Fact Check: "2024 saw all-time high Islamophobic and antisemitic incidents in the U.S."
What We Know
In recent months, there has been a significant increase in both antisemitic and anti-Muslim incidents in the United States, particularly following the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict that began on October 7, 2023. According to a press release from U.S. Senators, antisemitic incidents surged by 360%, with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recording 3,291 incidents in just three months after the conflict began. Concurrently, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) reported 3,578 complaints of anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian discrimination, reflecting a 180% increase over the same period in the previous year.
Furthermore, the ADL's annual report indicated that over 10,000 antisemitic incidents were recorded in the year following October 7, 2023, marking a substantial rise in hate crimes against Jewish individuals. The CAIR also reported that anti-Muslim complaints exceeded 8,000 in 2023, the highest in its 30-year history, with nearly 5,000 complaints documented in the first half of 2024 alone (USA Today).
Analysis
The data presented by both the ADL and CAIR indicates a clear and alarming trend of rising hate incidents against both Jewish and Muslim communities in the U.S. The figures provided by these organizations are corroborated by multiple reputable sources, including USA Today and Reuters. The increase in antisemitic incidents is partly attributed to a change in the ADL's methodology, which now includes incidents linked to anti-Zionist rhetoric as antisemitic. This adjustment, while it complicates direct year-over-year comparisons, does not negate the overall increase in reported incidents.
The reliability of the sources is high; both the ADL and CAIR are established organizations with a long history of monitoring hate crimes and advocating for minority rights. Their reports are based on data collected from various incidents across the country, making them credible sources for understanding trends in hate crimes. However, it is essential to consider the context of these incidents, as they are often influenced by broader geopolitical events, such as the Israel-Palestine conflict.
While some may argue that the increase in reported incidents could be influenced by heightened awareness or changes in reporting practices, the sheer scale of the reported increases—360% for antisemitic incidents and 180% for anti-Muslim incidents—suggests a genuine rise in hate crimes rather than merely an increase in reporting.
Conclusion
The claim that "2024 saw all-time high Islamophobic and antisemitic incidents in the U.S." is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources indicates a significant and alarming rise in hate incidents against both Jewish and Muslim communities, particularly following the events of October 7, 2023. The data shows not only an increase in the number of incidents but also a concerning trend that reflects broader societal issues related to religious intolerance and discrimination.
Sources
- Following Substantial Rise In Antisemitic And Anti-Muslim ... (https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/following-substantial-rise-in-antisemitic-and-anti-muslim-incidents-across-the-country-since-october-7th-gillibrand-peters-rosen-lankford-lead-bipartisan-push-for-funding-to-protect-synagogues-mo/)
- Israel-Gaza war behind record high US anti-Muslim ... (https://www.reuters.com/world/us/israel-gaza-war-behind-record-high-us-anti-muslim-incidents-advocacy-group-says-2025-03-11/)
- US anti-Muslim incidents rose about 70% in first half of 2024 amid Gaza ... (https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-anti-muslim-incidents-rose-about-70-first-half-2024-amid-gaza-war-2024-07-30/)
- Charts explain: Hate crimes grow in US since Oct. 7 attacks - USA TODAY (https://www.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2024/10/07/hate-crimes-grow-in-us-since-oct-7-attacks/75501456007/)
- The top global health stories from 2024 | World Economic Forum (https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/12/top-global-health-stories-2024/)
- US hate crime charts: Anti-muslim and antisemitic incidents are ... - CNN (https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/29/us/hate-crimes-antisemitism-anti-muslim-dg/index.html)
- Attacks on Muslims flood mainstream after Mamdani win (https://www.axios.com/2025/06/28/zohran-mamdani-islamic-attacks-maga-trump-racism)
