Antisemitic Threats Rolling High in Germany: A Shocking Increase in 2024
Germany experiences over 8,600 cases of Jewish residents facing pressure
German Jews are feeling increasingly worried and vulnerable due to the Israel-Palestine conflict and rising right-wing hostility. In fact, the Federal Association of Research and Information Centers on Antisemitism (RIAS) reported a staggering 77 percent rise in antisemitic incidents to an all-time high of 8,627 in 20241.
Breaking Down the Stats
According to RIAS, this rise includes extreme violence cases (8), physical attacks (186), targeted property damages (443), threats (300), and offensive behavior (7,514)1. For context, the most prominent categories were offensive behavior, with 1,802 documented gatherings featuring antisemitic remarks, and Israel-related antisemitism, totaling 450 at universities and 284 at schools1.
The Israel Connection: Antisemitic Incidents on the Rise
Interestingly, 5,857 incidents were labeled as “Israel-related antisemitism,” which more than doubled from the previous year1. This category includes ascribing blame to German Jews for Israeli government actions, demonizing Israel, and questioning its right to exist[1]. Still, RIAS CEO Benjamin Steinitz clarified that criticism of the Israeli government remains valid[1].
A Fractious Societal Climate: Right-Wing and Islamist Extremism
The surge in antisemitic incidents in Germany can be attributed to increased right-wing and Islamist extremism, as well as a societal normalization of antisemitism[2]. In particular, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has been linked to an uptick in antisemitic incidents[2]. Far-right extremists were responsible for 544 incidents in 2024, marking the highest since the comparison started in 20201.
On the other hand, Islamist motivations underpinned several severe incidents, such as the terrorist attacks in Solingen and Munich1. These attacks were linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict and pro-Palestinian sentiments[1].
Criticism and Controversy: A Dispute Over RIAS's Reporting
The rise in antisemitic incidents is also mirrored in official statistics since October 7, 20231. A notable aspect of RIAS's data is its reliance on incidents reported by those affected or witnesses to its reporting centers. This approach can influence the data to some extent, considering the number of people actively coming forward1.
However, the recently published report by German-Israeli journalist Itay Mashiach, on behalf of the "Diaspora Alliance," criticizes RIAS for "opaque methods" and accuses it of an "overemphasis on 'Israel-related antisemitism'"[1]. Steinitz of RIAS dismissed these criticisms, and the Federal Government's Anti-Semitism Commissioner, Felix Klein, expressed faith in RIAS's work[1].
Seeking a Solution: Moving Forward to Combat Antisemitism
Klein stressed that the fight against antisemitism needs to become more "focused, intense, and successful"[1]. Cooperation with countries, municipalities, associations, clubs, and individuals is essential to bring down the number of antisemitic incidents as soon as possible[1].
If the conflict in Gaza ever ends, the Jewish Student Union believes it could help ease the situation in Germany and universities[1]. However, the union president Ron Dekel articulated that "Israel-related anti-Semitism has long been the main problem for Jewish students at universities and, unfortunately, will likely remain so"[1].
[1]: RDA Netz.de[2]: Deutsche Welle
[4]: Times of Israel
Politics plays a significant role in the rise of antisemitic incidents in Germany, with the "Israel-related antisemitism" category accounting for over half (5,857 incidents) of all reported cases in 2024, according to the Federal Association of Research and Information Centers on Antisemitism (RIAS). General-news reports and debates on the Israel-Palestine conflict may contribute to this increase, as they can potentially foster negative sentiments and aggressive behavior towards German Jews.
Meanwhile, crime-and-justice authorities have linked an uptick in antisemitic incidents to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, with 544 incidents attributed to far-right extremists in 2024. Additionally, Islamist motivations have played a role in several severe incidents, illustrating that antisemitism can manifest in various forms and be influenced by different ideologies.
