The recent surge in anti‑Semitic incidents following the Israel‑Hamas conflict has prompted many Jews to reassess where they can live safely. The Anti‑Defamation League (ADL) Global 100 index, which surveys public attitudes with questions such as “Do Jews have too much power in business?” or “Are Jews more loyal to Israel than to this country?”, provides a comparative snapshot of anti‑Semitic sentiment worldwide.
Countries with the lowest reported anti‑Semitic attitudes
| ADL score (lower = less anti‑Semitic) | Countries |
|---|---|
| 4 % | Sweden |
| 6 % | Netherlands |
| 8 % | Canada |
| 10 % | United States, United Kingdom, Denmark |
| 12 % | Tanzania |
| 14 % | Australia, New Zealand |
| 15 % | Ghana |
| 16 % | Nigeria, Uganda, Singapore, Iceland |
| 18 % | Italy |
| 20 % | Austria, Ireland |
| 21 % | Portugal |
| 24 % | Mexico |
| 25 % | Brazil |
Higher‑scoring regions (more anti‑Semitic attitudes)
- Eastern Europe: Ukraine 29 %, Montenegro 29 %, Bosnia 32 %, Croatia 33 %
- Balkans: Bulgaria 44 %
- Other notable scores: Armenia (poorly ranked), several Asian and Middle‑Eastern nations not listed in the low‑score group.
Practical considerations beyond the ADL score
- Tax environment – Low anti‑Semitic scores do not guarantee favorable tax regimes. Sweden, the Netherlands, and Denmark have relatively high personal income taxes, which may be a deterrent for those running international businesses.
- Residency pathways –
- EU passports – Holders can relocate to any EU member state (e.g., Sweden, Netherlands, Iceland) without additional visa hurdles.
- Caribbean citizenship‑by‑investment – Programs in the Eastern Caribbean allow acquisition of a passport for a donation of roughly US $100 k + fees, granting visa‑free access to many Caribbean nations and easier intra‑CARICOM movement.
- Investor residence permits – Singapore offers residency for substantial investors, though family visas can be costly.
- Latin America – Mexico and Brazil provide relatively inexpensive residency options (income‑based for Mexico; investment‑based for Brazil) and pathways to citizenship that can be accelerated by birth or investment.
- Safety on the ground – Survey data may not capture local nuances. Anecdotal reports suggest that everyday interactions in Malaysia and Thailand are largely tolerant, despite higher national scores. Conversely, isolated incidents (e.g., a protest‑related killing in California) illustrate that even low‑score countries can experience spikes in hostility.
Decision‑making checklist
- Define priorities – Safety, tax burden, ease of immigration, language, and cultural fit.
- Check passport eligibility – EU ancestry, Caribbean citizenship‑by‑investment, or other fast‑track programs can broaden options.
- Assess residency costs – Compare investor‑visa minimums (e.g., Singapore vs. Mexico) and ongoing tax obligations.
- Research local community – Presence of established Jewish communities (e.g., Mexico City, São Paulo) can provide social support.
- Monitor on‑the‑ground sentiment – Even low‑score nations may have pockets of hostility; personal visits or trusted local contacts are advisable before committing.
While no destination can guarantee absolute safety, the ADL index highlights a range of countries where anti‑Semitic attitudes are statistically lower. Coupling these data with tax considerations, residency pathways, and personal risk tolerance can help individuals choose a location that balances security with practical living conditions.
