A landmark study released by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) shows significant employment discrimination against Jewish and Israeli Americans, revealing a concerning pattern of bias in the US job market. Findings show that Jewish American job seekers must submit 24 percent more applications than Americans from Western European backgrounds to receive equal consideration. Israeli Americans face an even steeper challenge: sending 39% more applications than others.
Key points:
The study provides concrete evidence of workplace discrimination against Jewish and Israeli Americans
Research methodology focused on controlled variables to isolate bias effects
Findings suggest urgent need for workplace reform and anti-discrimination measures
ADL plans to implement new initiatives with employers to address hiring biases
The economic impact of discrimination could have long-term effects on affected communities
Research methodology and findings
Leading labor economist Dr. Bryan Tomlin conducted a comprehensive field experiment between May and October 2024, submitting 3,000 applications to administrative assistant positions across the United States. The study utilized identical resumes that varied only in applicant names and background signals indicating Jewish, Israeli, or Western European heritage. The research team carefully controlled all variables to ensure that qualifications, experience, and other factors remained constant across all applications.
To put these findings in context, the level of discrimination against Jewish Americans (needing 24.2% more applications) is comparable to the barriers faced by Black job seekers in other studies, who typically receive about 31.5% fewer positive responses than applicants with Western European backgrounds. Meanwhile, Israeli Americans (needing 39% more applications) face discrimination similar to that experienced by Arab and Middle Eastern applicants, who receive about 41% fewer positive responses. These comparisons come from a comprehensive analysis of hiring discrimination studies conducted between 2005-2020.
ADL’s response
“This is groundbreaking evidence of serious antisemitic discrimination in the labor market,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO. The findings emerge amid growing concerns about antisemitism in the United States, highlighting the urgent need for employers to address anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli prejudice in hiring practices. The ADL has announced plans to work directly with major employers to develop new hiring guidelines and anti-bias training programs in response to these findings.
Expert analysis
Dr. Tomlin, who chairs the Department of Economics at California State University Channel Islands, emphasized the significance of quantifying such discrimination. "Without the benefit of a study of this kind, it is difficult, if not impossible, to prove adverse treatment in the labor market based on one's religion or cultural identity," he noted. His research builds upon previous studies examining discrimination against various minority groups in the workplace but represents the first large-scale investigation specifically focused on Jewish and Israeli Americans.
Eylon Levy, the former spokesman for the State of Israel and International Media Advisor to the President of Israel, told the Mideast Journal: "This [discrimination against Jews and Israelis] is the threat to Diaspora Jews, in the eighth front of this war: they risk being purged from society, through hatred or fear of being associated with them, and many will be tempted to join the campaign against Israel in a desperate attempt to fit in.”
Economic implications
The study suggests significant economic consequences for affected communities. Based on the findings, Jewish and Israeli Americans may face longer periods of unemployment and potentially lower lifetime earnings due to reduced access to job opportunities.
While the discrimination was widespread, the study found interesting regional variations, with Israeli applicants facing the strongest barriers in Seattle but slightly better prospects in New York City and Philadelphia.
These barriers may have lasting effects on career advancement and economic mobility within these communities.
Elon Gilad is an Israeli author, journalist, and linguist. His work focuses on uncovering the historical roots of contemporary issues, particularly in current affairs, Jewish history, and the Hebrew language. Gilad is the author of "The Secret History of Judaism." His analytical pieces draw on his diverse background to provide unique insights into today's complex issues, explaining current situations through the lens of historical development.