Amid record antisemitic incidents, ADL unveils an interactive state-by-state policy tracker to push lawmakers toward stronger protections for Jewish communities.
In the wake of a 344% surge in antisemitic incidents over the past five years—and fresh off violent attacks against Jewish communities in Boulder and Washington, D.C.—the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has rolled out a groundbreaking tool to turn outrage into action.
The Jewish Policy Index (JPI), launched Friday, is the first interactive platform to rate all 50 U.S. states on how effectively they combat antisemitism through laws, education, and public policy.
The inaugural JPI report paints a sobering picture:
- Leading States (9): Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New York, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia—recognized for broad alignment with ADL’s top policy recommendations.
- Progressing States (29): States that have adopted some key measures but still have significant policy gaps.
- Limited Action States (12): States showing little organized effort to address antisemitism.
Using 22 criteria across three core categories—Prioritize Fighting Antisemitism, Educate About the Jewish Experience, and Protect Jewish Communities—the Index delivers both a reality check and a roadmap for action.
“With antisemitic incidents at record highs, we need more than rhetoric—we need real, measurable policy action,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director. “This tool gives us a comprehensive picture of where states stand and what steps they can take to do better.”
Developed by ADL’s Ratings & Assessments Institute (RAI), the JPI blends expert input, legal research, and subject-matter consultation to ensure rigor and fairness. The platform allows users to:
- Pinpoint policy gaps in their own states.
- Study best practices from top-performing states.
- Track progress and hold lawmakers accountable over time.
Danny Barefoot, Senior Director of the RAI, summed up the mission:
“The Jewish Policy Index is both a roadmap and a reality check. Too many states are still falling short when it comes to protecting their Jewish communities. Fighting antisemitism requires more than outrage—it demands action.”
While the JPI measures laws and initiatives, it does not assess the everyday lived experiences of Jewish residents or endorse the exact language of each law. Instead, it’s designed as a powerful advocacy tool—equipping citizens, educators, policymakers, and community leaders with the data to demand stronger protections.
With antisemitism now at levels unseen in modern U.S. history, the JPI signals a national call to arms for policy change—backed not just by emotion, but by hard data.
