12-06-2022
ResumeBuilder.com asked 1,131 hiring managers and recruiters across the U.S. about their perception of Jewish applicants and antisemitism in the workplace. The results: "There is an alarming amount of antisemitism within companies, a great deal of which is considered acceptable."
The survey found:
- 26% of hiring managers say they are less likely to move forward with Jewish applicants. The top reason for negative bias is the belief that Jews have too much power and control
- 26% make assumptions about whether a candidate is Jewish based on their appearance
- 23% say they want fewer Jewish people in their industry
- 17% say leadership has told them not to hire Jewish people
- 33% say antisemitism is common in their workplace
- 29% say antisemitism is acceptable in their company
ResumeBuilder.com reported some respondents said they identify Jewish individuals by voice, by mannerisms, and if "they are very frugal." Some of those asked identified Jewish people as greedy, as an inferior race, and as oppressors. The prejudice against Jewish people seemed the strongest in business, construction, education, entertainment, finance, and technology.
Bias against Jewish employees often goes unnoticed, according to SHRM. An EEOC commissioner stated antisemitism is more widespread than often believed and that "[a]ntisemitism in any form is unacceptable and should be condemned." Companies should review DEIB programs to ensure they do not inadvertently contribute to antisemitism through assumptions or stereotypes of power, privilege, racial identity, or conclusions based on racial or ethnic disparities. (https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/news/all-things-work/pages/antisemitism-on-the-rise.aspx)