Anti–Defamation League Online –
Hispanics
The survey found that anti–Semitic propensities among Hispanics, the most significant and fastest growing segment of the American population, are influenced by origin of birth. There continues to be an extraordinary gap between those born in the United States and those born abroad, though somewhat less than in 2005. The survey revealed that 29% of foreign–born Hispanics hold hardcore anti–Semitic beliefs (down from 35%), while 15% of Hispanics born in the U.S. fall into the same category (down from 19%).
“We are heartened to see progress in the Hispanic community,” said Mr. Foxman,* “and the outreach and collaboration with various segments of the Hispanic community throughout the country that we began after the initial findings have borne some results and we are committed to stepping up that effort.”
Mr. Foxman added, “We understand that religious background has always played a role in determining one’s beliefs about Jews. We believe that the strong anti–Semitic views held by one of the fastest growing segments in America is no doubt a reflection of what is being learned about Jews in the schools, churches and communities of Latin American countries, which is anti–Semitism at its most basic.”
African–Americans
The number of African–Americans with strong anti–Semitic beliefs continued to remain high and stable since 1992. The 2007 survey found that 32% of African–Americans hold strong anti–Semitic beliefs, more than three times more than the 10% for whites. In 1992 it was 37%; 1998–34%; 2002–35%, 2005–36%.
“We continue to remain troubled and somewhat at a loss to understand why African–Americans consistently have such strong anti–Semitic propensities,” said Mr. Foxman.
Education and Gender
Education – The more educated a person is, the
less likely he or she is to hold anti–Semitic views: 21% of those with a high school degree or less hold strong anti–Semitic views, compared to 10% of college graduates and 8% of those who hold post–graduate degrees.
* Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director
Anti–Defamation League official website, http://www.adl.org/PresRele/ASUS_12/5159_12.htm (accessed August 4, 2009)