Antisemitism on the Rise in Germany
Increased Reports of Jewish Individuals Facing Intimidation in Germany: 8,600 Cases Mentioned
Berlin - Jews in Germany are feeling the pressure and bracing themselves against a surge in antisemitic attacks, fueled by the Israel-Palestine conflict and right-wing hostility. "Never have we recorded more attacks against Jews in a single year than in the past year," said Benjamin Steinitz, CEO of the Federal Association of Research and Information Centres on Antisemitism (RIAS), reporting a 77% increase from 2023. The annual report lists 8,627 antisemitic incidents, and the numbers just keep growing.
Antisemitic Incidents Galore
This latest wave includes eight acts of extreme violence, 186 attacks, 443 targeted property damages, and 300 threats. The most common category was "offensive behavior," with 7,514 incidents documented, featuring 1,802 gatherings where antisemitic statements were openly expressed. A right-wing extremist background was noted in 544 cases, marking the highest number since the nationwide comparison began in 2020.
5,857 cases were categorized as "Israel-related antisemitism," more than double the number from 2023. These include instances where Jews in Germany are blamed for the actions of the Israeli government, the state of Israel is demonized, and its right to exist is questioned. Steinitz clarifies that criticism of the Israeli government is still valid.
RIAS recorded 450 antisemitic incidents at universities in 2024 and 284 at schools, including 19 attacks. The Hamas terror attack on Israel in October 2023 served as a turning point for many Jewish communities in Germany, with the risk of being targeted as a Jew increasing significantly.
Despicable Acts of Violence
Among the cases of extreme violence, RIAS includes the assault by a student on a Jewish fellow student outside a bar in early 2024, the deadly attack by a suspected ISIS sympathizer at a city festival in Solingen, and the attack by a suspected Islamist on the Israeli consulate and an NS documentation center in Munich.
One of the 186 registered attacks happened in Oldenburg. Two men held a Jewish student on her way to school and told her she was a "dirty Jew." In a Leipzig park, 10 to 15 right-wing extremists attacked three men discussing antisemitism. In Saxon Switzerland, a man insulted and shoved a woman with a bag bearing the words "Feminist Zionist."
Among the 443 property damages, 50 occurred within close proximity to the victim's home. For example, in March, unknown perpetrators spray-painted two swastikas next to the door of a Jewish couple in Hamburg. In April, a Star of David was scrawled on the house of a Jewish individual in Leipzig. Such acts serve as a threatening message to the victims: We know where you live.
Concerns over Methodology and Data Accuracy
Critics claim that RIAS uses opaque methods and places too much emphasis on 'Israel-related antisemitism.' However, RIAS maintains its credibility, with the German government's antisemitism commissioner, Felix Klein, expressing his trust in the organization.
The Fight Against Antisemitism
The increase in antisemitic incidents highlights the urgency for more focused, intense, and successful efforts to combat this growing issue. Government, municipalities, associations, clubs, and individuals must collaborate to reduce the number of antisemitic incidents as soon as possible.
Ending the Gaza war might ease tensions in Germany and on campuses, according to the Jewish Student Union's president, Ron Dekel. However, he notes that 'Israel-related antisemitism' has been the primary concern for Jewish students for a while and will likely remain so into the future. It's a complex issue that demands a comprehensive and collaborative approach from all members of society, aiming to promote tolerance, understanding, and compassion.
- The escalating surge in antisemitic attacks has raised concerns in the realm of general-news, as Jewish individuals in Germany are encountering intensified hostility, with right-wing extremism, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and crime-and-justice contributing factors.
- Reporting on antisemitic incidents, RIAS has documented 5,857 cases categorized as "Israel-related antisemitism," highlighting the need for a collective effort in politics and society to combat this rise in unsettling, Israel-linked prejudice, ensuring a more peaceful and inclusive future.
