New Study Exposes Alarming Antisemitism In Academic Medical Centers

Over 60% of Jewish Medical Professionals Reported Experiencing Antisemitism Work at Academic Medical Centers

LOS ANGELES, CA, (May 5, 2025) — In a groundbreaking new study, StandWithUs’ Data & Analytics Department reveals that antisemitism is disturbingly pervasive in American healthcare — especially within academic medical centers. This study, the first peer-reviewed analysis of workplace environments and antisemitism in healthcare, paints a stark picture of the risks Jewish healthcare professionals face today.

62.8% of those who reported experiencing antisemitism worked at academic medical centers, a statistically significant finding that highlights how some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions have become breeding grounds for bias and bigotry. By contrast, 25.2% of those experiencing antisemitism were in private practice, and only 7.4% in community hospitals.

“Academia today is increasingly cultivating an environment which is hostile to Jews, as well as members of other religious and ethnic groups,” said Dr. Alexandra Fishman, Director of Data & Analytics at StandWithUs and lead author of the study. “Academic institutions should be upholding the integrity of scholarship, and prioritizing civil discourse, rather than allowing bias or personal agendas to guide academic culture. For doctors — whose ability to practice with integrity, compassion, and fairness is paramount — such an atmosphere poses a direct threat to the quality of healthcare and the well-being of both practitioners and patients." The study also reveals a critical link between awareness and workplace culture: only 35.5% of respondents who experienced antisemitism believed their colleagues could recognize it, compared to 54.5% of those who did not experience it.

“When administrators and colleagues understand what antisemitism looks like, it clearly correlates with less antisemitism in the workplace,” said Dr. Charles Auerbach, PhD, Professor at Yeshiva University and expert consultant at StandWithUs. “Recognition is a powerful tool — institutions that foster awareness create safer, more inclusive environments for everyone.”

Study Methodology and Context 

The study published following an IRB exemption, surveyed Jewish healthcare professionals from April 14 to May 15, 2024, via Jewish medical networks including AJMA, JPN, JOWMA, and Orthodocs. With a 30% response rate (645 responses from 2,136 recipients), the survey captured a wide range of professional experiences: 74% of respondents were physicians and 52% worked in academic hospitals.

Using advanced analytics, the research builds on a prior study led by StandWithUs and published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine (JGIM).

Authors include:

· Alexandra Chana Fishman, PhD, Director of Data & Analytics, StandWithUs

· Charles Auerbach, PhD, Professor, Yeshiva University, Wurzweiler School of Social Work

Key Findings

· Academic healthcare environments pose the greatest risk for exposure to antisemitism.

· Workplace awareness and administrative recognition of antisemitism significantly impact Jewish professionals’ safety and well-being.

· DEI initiatives often fail to address antisemitism adequately, leaving Jewish staff vulnerable.

Implications for Institutions

This study underscores an urgent need for institutions to implement targeted anti- bias training and policies that explicitly include antisemitism. Recommendations include:

· Utilizing training programs focused on recognizing and combatting antisemitism.

· Establishing reporting mechanisms and policy reviews to promote Jewish inclusion.

· Broadening future research to ensure greater diversity of roles and geographic regions.

“Jewish healthcare professionals deserve to work in environments where their dignity is respected and their safety is treated as a non-negotiable,” said Dr. Fishman. “This study serves as a wake-up call to administrators and leaders of universities, teaching hospitals, and healthcare systems: antisemitism can no longer be treated as an afterthought.” 

Read the full study here.

StandWithUs

StandWithUs is a nonpartisan, international nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Israel and fighting antisemitism. Founded in 2001, StandWithUs empowers individuals and communities through education and leadership training.

For media inquiries, and interviews, please contact:

• Dr. Alexandra Fishman, Director of Data & Analytics, StandWithUs alexandraf@standwithus.com 

• Dr. Charles Auerbach, Professor at Wurzweiler, auerbach@yu.edu

• Dr. Sheri Ross, Director of Medical Outreach at Center for Combatting Antisemitism sherir@cca-training.org