The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) on Friday launched the Jewish Policy Index (JPI), an interactive tool ranking all 50 US states on their policies addressing antisemitism.
The index evaluates state-level legislation, education, and public policy. According to the ADL, it was created in response to an increase in antisemitic incidents in recent years and after violent attacks on Jewish communities in Boulder, Colorado, and Washington, DC.
The first findings list nine states as “Leading States” with high alignment to ADL’s recommended policies: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New York, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
States were evaluated on 22 criteria grouped into three categories
States were evaluated on 22 criteria grouped into three categories: prioritizing the fight against antisemitism, education about the Jewish experience, and protection of Jewish communities. The results classify 29 states as “Progressing States,” showing partial alignment, and 12 as “Limited Action States,” with minimal policy-based measures.
The JPI was produced by the ADL’s Ratings and Assessments Institute to measure how state laws compare to strategies for addressing antisemitism. The ADL stated that the tool is intended to help residents and policymakers identify gaps, track progress, and adopt practices from states with higher rankings.
ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said the index provides a roadmap for states to strengthen protections for Jewish communities. Senior Director Danny Barefoot said it is designed to be both an assessment and a guide for action.
"With antisemitic incidents at record highs nationwide, we need more than words — we need real, measurable policy action,” Greenblatt said. “This tool offers a comprehensive picture of where states stand and what steps they can take to improve. We urge state lawmakers to act swiftly and decisively to enact strong policies and laws that protect their Jewish communities.”
The ADL noted that the index measures the presence of laws and initiatives but does not necessarily reflect endorsement of specific legislation or assess the overall experiences of Jewish residents. The platform allows users to compare state policies, filter by criteria, and view performance by category.