Antisemitism in Germany: A Rising Threat
Germany Experiences Over 8,600 Instances of Jewish Individuals Facing Pressure
It's no secret that Jews in Germany are feeling increasingly threatened, with pressures stemming from the Israel-Palestine conflict and right-wing hostility. In fact, the Federal Association of Research and Information Centres on Antisemitism (RIAS) reported a staggering 77% increase in antisemitic incidents in 2024, amounting to a record 8,627 incidents—more than any other year on record [1].
Breaking Down the Numbers
The statistics paint a troubling picture: 8 cases of extreme violence, 186 attacks, 443 incidents of targeted property damage, and 300 cases of threats were all reported [1]. The most common category was "offensive behavior," accounting for a mind-boggling 7,514 incidents—including 1,802 gatherings where antisemitic remarks were captured [1]. A right-wing extremist background was noted in 544 cases, the highest number since nationwide comparison began in 2020 [1].
Notably, 5,857 cases were classified as "Israel-related antisemitism," which more than doubled the number from the previous year [1]. This category encompasses instances where Jews in Germany are held accountable for actions of the Israeli government, where Israel is demonized, and its right to exist is disputed [1]. While criticism of the Israeli government remains permissible, said CEO of RIAS, Benjamin Steinitz, it's crucial to distinguish between legitimate criticism and antisemitism [1].
Universities and schools were not immune to antisemitic incidents. RIAS documented 450 instances at universities and 284 at schools, including 19 attacks [1]. The Hamas terror attack on Israel in October 2023 seems to have played a significant role in this rise, according to Steinitz, who pointed out that the risk of being targeted as a Jew in Germany has objectively increased since October 7 [1].
Examples of Antisemitic Incidents
The increased violence has led to several disturbing incidents. For example, a Berlin student brutally attacked a Jewish fellow student outside a bar in early 2024 [1]. Similarly, a suspected IS sympathizer carried out a deadly attack at a city festival in Solingen, while a suspected Islamist assaulted the Israeli consulate and an NS documentation center in Munich [1].
Among the 186 registered attacks was one in Oldenburg, where two men physically and verbally assaulted a Jewish schoolgirl on her way to school [1]. In Leipzig, 10 to 15 right-wing extremists attacked three men having a peaceful discussion on antisemitism [1]. A particularly chilling incident occurred in Saxon Switzerland, where a man insulted and shoved a woman carrying a bag bearing the inscription "Feminist Zionist," calling her a "Nazi" [1].
Property damage incidents were also common, with 50 occurring in the immediate vicinity of the victim's home [1]. In March, unknown perpetrators smeared two swastikas next to the door of a Jewish couple's residence in Hamburg [1]. A Star of David was found proudly adorning the house of a Jewish individual in Leipzig [1]. These acts send a clear message: the victims' home addresses have been exposed.
Criticisms and Responses
A new report by German-Israeli journalist Itay Mashiach on behalf of the "Diaspora Alliance" accused RIAS of opaque methods and overemphasis on "Israel-related antisemitism" [1]. However, CEO Steinitz dismissed these criticisms, while German antisemitism commissioner Felix Klein expressed his faith in RIAS' work [1].
Klein responded to the shocking numbers by emphasizing the need for a more targeted, intense, and successful anti-antisemitism campaign [1]. Collaboration with countries, municipalities, associations, clubs, and individuals is crucial to combat this issue and see a decline in antisemitic incidents as soon as possible [1]. Older conflicts like the Gaza conflict, while still a source of tension, may eventually ease the situation in Germany and at universities, according to the Jewish Student Union [1]. However, they caution that "Israel-related antisemitism" has long been the primary concern for Jewish students and is likely to remain a problem in the future [1].
Radio programs addressing the rise in antisemitism in Germany might delve into the categorization of incidents, such as the significant increase in "Israel-related antisemitism" reported by RIAS in 2024. General news outlets could also cover the impact of the Hamas terror attack on Israel in October 2023, which appears to have contributed to the sharp increase in antisemitic incidents. In crime and justice segments, incidents like the assault on a Jewish student in Oldenburg or the attack on the Israeli consulate in Munich might be scrutinized for motivations and potential perpetrators.
