Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Growth of Anti-semitism in U.S. Halted, but Has Not Decreased in Past Two Years

February 7, 1946
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

The growth of anti-Semitism in the United States appears to have been halted, but there has been no appreciable decrease in anti-Semitism in the past two years, according to a survey by Elmo Roper appearing in the February issue of Fortune magazine. Of those polled, 8.8 percent can be classified as anti-Semites on the basis of their replies to two key questions, the survey shows.

One key question was: “Are there any organizations or groups of people in this country who you feel might be harmful to the future of the country unless they are curbed?” To this 5.1 percent named Jews. The other question was: “Are there any groups of people you think are trying to get ahead at the expense of people like you?” Here 6.5 percent said the Jews.

An examination of the replies to other questions given by those classified as anti-Semites reveals that anti-Semitism increases with wealth; that it is strongest in the Northeast and Middle West, and weakest in the South and Far West; that it is strongest in large cities, and weakest in small towns; and that it is strongest among the age group 35 to 49, and weakest among those 21 to 34.

Persons who are anti-Semitic, the survey reveals, are hostile to Great Britain and Russia and disapprove of labor unions and large-scale government work projects to help prevent unemployment.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement