New Jersey experienced 687 antisemitic incidents in 2025, a modest 4% decline from the previous year but still 68% higher than in 2022, according to the Anti-Defamation League’s annual report released on Wednesday.
The state’s most troubling trend: New Jersey recorded more antisemitic incidents at non-Jewish K-12 schools than any other state — 188 incidents, a 14% increase from 2024. The spike underscores a persistent problem in classrooms across the state, even as colleges saw dramatic improvements.
“While we’ve made progress on campus, the K-12 environment remains a serious concern,” said an ADL official familiar with the data. College campus incidents fell 76% to just 19 incidents statewide, reflecting increased ADL engagement in combatting campus antisemitism.
Incidents were distributed across New Jersey, though Bergen County accounted for roughly 20 percent (139 incidents), home to large Jewish communities in Teaneck, Bergenfield, and Englewood.
Public areas saw the most incidents (232), followed by K-12 schools (188), homes and housing (55), and Jewish institutions (65). Harassment cases declined 13%, but vandalism and assault both increased — up 11% and 17% respectively.
A significant portion of 2025’s incidents were unrelated to Israel or Zionism. Excluding those cases, New Jersey antisemitism actually rose 8% compared to 2024, suggesting the problem extends well beyond Middle East politics.
The 687 incidents represent a stark contrast to the national trend. While antisemitic incidents declined 33% nationwide in 2025 — largely due to a 31% drop in Israel-related incidents — New Jersey’s more modest 4% decline suggests the state faces deeper structural antisemitism concerns.
