ADL Report Shows Rise in Antisemitic Assaults Despite Drop in Overall Incidents
A 2026 release of the Anti-Defamation League’s annual audit reveals that while total antisemitic incidents declined nationally and in New York in 2025, physical assaults increased, reaching 203 nationwide—the highest in recent years. Three people were killed in antisemitic attacks in 2025, the first such fatalities since 2019. New York, particularly Brooklyn, remained a hotspot, with notable increases in violence against visibly Orthodox Jews. The data follows the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and Israel’s military response in Gaza, which preceded a sustained rise in antisemitic activity. While the ADL attributes much of its data to victim reports, some critics question whether pro-Palestinian activism is being conflated with antisemitism. FBI data confirms Jews are disproportionately targeted in religious hate crimes, comprising 16% of victims despite making up 2% of the population.
Both sources rely on the same primary document—the ADL’s 2026 audit—but frame its implications differently. New York Post emphasizes partial improvement in overall incident counts while highlighting concerning local trends in Brooklyn. USA Today stresses the severity and lethality of recent assaults, situates the data within broader hate crime patterns, and incorporates methodological scrutiny and external expert perspectives. Neither source is overtly biased, but USA Today provides a more comprehensive and critically contextualized account.
- ✓ The ADL released its annual audit of antisemitic incidents on May 6, 2026.
- ✓ Antisemitic physical assaults increased in 2025 compared to 2024, with 203 nationwide incidents reported in 2025 (up from 196).
- ✓ Three people were killed in antisemitic attacks in 2025: two Israeli diplomats in Washington, DC, and one victim in a firebombing in Boulder, Colorado.
- ✓ The October 7, 2游戏副本 attacks by Hamas and the subsequent Israel-Gaza war are referenced as pivotal events preceding a spike in antisemitic incidents.
- ✓ New York remains a hotspot for antisemitic incidents, particularly Brooklyn.
- ✓ Physical assaults against Jews identified by religious garb increased significantly in Brooklyn.
Overall trend framing
Focuses on record levels of physical assaults and murders, framing the overall trend as one of increasing danger despite a drop in non-violent incidents.
Emphasizes a 19% decline in total antisemitic incidents in New York and 33% nationally, framing the rise in assaults as a contrast to this broader decline.
Use of comparative baseline
Highlights that 2025 marked the first year since 2019 with antisemitic murders, emphasizing lethality rather than volume.
Compares 2025 totals to pre-October 2023 levels, noting that numbers remain double those from 2022.
Methodological critique
Explicitly notes that ADL changed its definition of antisemitic incidents over time and includes criticism that it may conflate pro-Palestinian activism with antisemitism.
Does not mention any controversy or limitations regarding ADL’s data collection or definition changes.
External validation and sourcing
Cites FBI hate crime statistics, mentions Southern Poverty Law Center analysis, and includes expert commentary beyond ADL.
Relies solely on ADL data and statements from ADL officials.
Geographic focus
Offers national-level analysis with minimal local detail.
Provides granular data on Brooklyn, including year-over-year changes in assaults, business attacks, and Orthodox-targeted incidents.
New York Post
Framing: New York Post frames the event as a mixed but still alarming trend: while overall antisemitic incidents have declined since 2023, the rise in violent assaults—especially in Brooklyn and against visibly Orthodox Jews—represents an ongoing crisis. The framing centers local impact and continuity of threat.
Tone: Concerned and urgent, with a focus on localized violence and community fear
Sensationalism: Headline uses emotionally charged language ('Unsettling') to foreground alarm.
"Unsettling ADL report show antisemitic assaults against surging"
Framing By Emphasis: Selective focus on assault increase while downplaying overall decline in incidents.
"The number of assaults targeting Jewish victims in New York jumped nearly 10% last year from 82 to 90"
Narrative Framing: Highlights Brooklyn-specific data (e.g., 39% increase against Orthodox Jews) without national comparison.
"Incidents targeting Orthodox Jews identified by their garb in Brooklyn increased 39% year-over-year"
Cherry Picking: Quotes only ADL officials, presenting their perspective without external challenge.
"said ADL New York / New Jersey Regional Director Scott Richman"
Omission: Fails to mention any controversy around ADL’s methodology or definition changes.
USA Today
Framing: USA Today frames the report as evidence of a worsening security environment for American Jews, particularly due to lethal violence. It contextualizes the data within national hate crime trends, acknowledges methodological debates, and validates findings through independent sources.
Tone: Analytical and contextual, with a tone of serious concern and institutional validation
Sensationalism: Headline emphasizes 'record levels' and poses a question to invite engagement.
"Antisemitic assaults reach record levels, audit says. What data shows"
Proper Attribution: Notes that ADL changed its definition of antisemitic incidents, adding methodological context.
"ADL used a different definition to count antisemitic incidents at that time"
Balanced Reporting: Includes criticism of ADL for potentially conflating political speech with hate.
"The ADL has faced scrutiny in recent years for what critics consider its conflation of pro-Palestinian activism with antisemitism"
Comprehensive Sourcing: Cites FBI data and external experts (SPLC) to corroborate ADL findings.
"FBI data in August showed anti-Jewish hate crimes comprised nearly 70% of all religious-based hate crimes"
Balanced Reporting: Quotes ADL official but contextualizes statement with broader expert opinion.
"Oren Segal, senior vice president of counter-extremism and intelligence at ADL, told USA TODAY"
USA Today
USA Today includes broader contextualization with FBI data, mentions criticisms of ADL's methodology, and quotes external experts like the Southern Poverty Law Center. It also provides comparative historical data and explains data collection methods. However, it cuts off mid-sentence.
New York Post
New York Post offers detailed local breakdowns (e.g., Brooklyn-specific data), includes regional director commentary, and reports on specific incidents like the arson attack on Gov. Shapiro. However, it omits national FBI context and external expert validation.
Antisemitic assaults reach record levels, audit says. What data shows
Unsettling ADL report show antisemitic assaults against surging