Newsletter
American and European Jewish Museums since October 7 – Survey Report
In the aftermath of the tragic events of October 7, 2023, and their global repercussions, the Association of European Jewish Museums and the Council of American Jewish Museums (CAJM) conducted a survey to understand how Jewish museums have been impacted. This initiative sought to capture the experiences of museum professionals as they navigate the challenges posed by an increasingly tense geopolitical climate.
The survey gathered responses from 42 museum directors representing institutions across 16 European countries and 15 U.S. states. We greatly value the contributions of all who participated, as their input provides a vivid snapshot of Jewish museums’ significant challenges.
Since October 7, 2023 Jewish museums have been navigating a prolonged period of uncertainty and adversity. Staff and institutions alike have been deeply affected, grappling with widespread anxiety, exhaustion, and psychological strain. As one German museum director observed, the “psychological impact of the situation,” combined with growing workloads and internal conflicts, has placed significant pressure on museum professionals.
Amid this challenging environment, three key areas of concern have emerged:
1. Hostile Actions
About 80% of museums reported experiencing antisemitic or anti-Israel harassment, including hate speech, vandalism, and threats.
2. Damaged Partnerships
More than 40% of respondents noted program cancellations and strained relationships with artists, schools, and collaborators, significantly impacting cultural and financial initiatives.
3. Changes to Visitor Landscape
Museums reported a 38% overall decline in visitation, particularly in Europe, due to security fears and political tensions. Conversely, some saw increased interest driven by solidarity and educational programs.
This report highlights the balance our members, as Jewish museums and cultural institutions, must navigate – staying open and inclusive spaces for communication and exchange while addressing the societal tensions that impact us all. By fostering dialogue, equipping staff with targeted training, and strengthening our networks, we at AEJM and CAJM remain committed to supporting our members as they continue to serve as essential hubs for education, tolerance, and resilience during these challenging times.