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AEJM Membership Survey 2025: Working in a Jewish Museum Since October 7, 2023
Last year we conducted a survey among our members on the impact of the massacre that took place in Israel on 7 October 2023 and the following war. In cooperation with CAJM, the Council of American Jewish Museums in the United States we developed a joined questionnaire that was sent out to the leadership of all membership museums and distributed via the AEJM newsletter in September 2025. The following analyses is based on the answers of 25 Jewish Museum directors in Europe and presents a clear and consistent image of heightened pressure and vulnerability in the aftermath of October 7.
Summary
A particularly striking finding is the broad increase of antisemitic incidents, reported across multiple dimensions and affecting a substantial share of institutions.
Negative social media exposure emerges as the most widespread issue: 72% of museums report an increase, with an additional 4% encountering it for the first time. Similarly, 60% of institutions report a rise in digital hate speech, underscoring the intensity and scale of online antisemitism. Taken together, these figures point to a significant escalation in hostile public discourse directed at Jewish cultural institutions.
Beyond single incidents, the data suggests a deep structural impact of the violence and war in Israel and the middle East on the work of Jewish Museums in Europe. Most notably, 60% of museums report cancelled partnerships or opportunities, either increasing or occurring for the first time. This indicates not only reputational pressure but also a tangible contraction of institutional networks and collaboration opportunities.
In response, museums have acted decisively. 64% of institutions implemented increased security measures, making this the most common response. At the same time, many museums chose a strategy of engagement rather than withdrawal: 44% introduced staff training, 40% expanded educational outreach, and 32% issued public statements. These measures reflect an effort to strengthen institutional resilience while maintaining public presence.
Nevertheless, the general situation is reflected by changes in audience development. In 44% of the museums, visitor numbers have declined, whereas two institutions could report increases. In some museums the decline in attendance was exceeding 30-40% – the respective directors are explaining this development with visitors’ reluctance to engage with Jewish topics due to perceived association with the war in the Middle East.
Overall, the findings point to a complex environment marked by increased antisemitic pressure, disrupted partnerships, and declining audiences while simultaneously investing in security, staff support, and public engagement.
