Hispanic Attitudes Toward Jews

Publication Date: April 2007

Publisher: American Jewish Committee

Author(s): Tom W. Smith

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Academic Research; Cultural Sensitivity; Community Relations; Ethnicity

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

With the exponential growth of the Latino community, now the largest ethnic minority in the United States, American Jews--and Americans in general--have good reason to care about the attitudes this highly diverse group holds toward Jews. The author of this report surveys the literature and examines the research on Hispanic attitudes toward Jews. He notes that while there are "large differences in socio-economic status, religion, immigration status, and historical experiences" that separate the two communities, nevertheless, "a majority of Hispanics and Jews end up on the same side of most issues."

This report examines Hispanic attitudes toward Jews and considers: 1) explanations that have been offered for greater negativity toward Jews by Hispanics, in general, and foreign-
born Hispanics, in particular, 2) a wide range of empirical studies comparing the views of Hispanics and non-Hispanics toward Jews, and 3) what research is needed to more fully understand the role of Hispanic ethnicity in shaping attitudes toward Jews.