Rising Antisemitism: A Worry for German Jews
Jewish Community in Germany Endures Over 8,600 Instances of Intimidation and Harassment
An alarming leap in antisemitic incidents in Germany has been recorded, with a staggering rise of 80% to 8,627 cases in 2024, compared to the previous year [1]. This disquieting trend is part of a broader wave of growing antisemitism across Europe and the globe [2][3].
The Numbers
According to the Federal Association of Research and Information on Antisemitism (RIAS), these horrifying figures include eight instances of severe violence, 186 attacks, 443 targeted property damages, and 300 menacing threats [1]. The most common offenses were "offensive behavior" incidents with 7,514 reported, including 1,802 situations where antisemitic slurs were documented [1]. A right-wing extremist background was detected in 544 cases, the highest number since the nationwide comparison began in 2018 [1].
5,857 cases were categorized as "Israel-related antisemitism," more than double the number in 2023 [1]. RIAS defines this as assigning blame to Jews in Germany for actions of the Israeli government, demonizing the State of Israel, and denying its right to exist [1]. However, the CEO of RIAS, Benjamin Steinitz, clarified that criticism of the Israeli government is permissible [1].
RIAS documented 450 antisemitic incidents on university campuses and 284 at schools, with 19 attacks being reported [1]. The Hamas terror attack on Israel in 2023 was a turning point, said Steinitz. "In light of the events since October 7, the risk of being targeted as a Jew in Germany has objectively increased" [1].
Troubling Instances
Among the eight acts of severe violence, RIAS included the vicious attack by a Berlin student on a Jewish fellow student outside a bar in early 2024. Other examples include the deadly attack by a suspected IS sympathizer at a city festival in Solingen and the assault on the Israeli consulate and an NS documentation center in Munich by a suspected Islamist [1].
Among the 186 registered attacks, one notable instance took place in Oldenburg: Two men accosted a Jewish schoolgirl on her way to school and insulted her as a "filthy Jew" [1]. In a Leipzig park, 10 to 15 right-wing extremists assaulted three men discussing antisemitism. In Saxon Switzerland, a man insulted and shoved a woman carrying a bag with the words "Feminist Zionist" [1].
Among the 443 cases of property damage, 50 occurred in residential areas. In March, unknown perpetrators defaced the door of a Jewish couple in Hamburg with two swastikas, and in April, a Star of David was etched onto the house of a Jewish individual in Leipzig. These chilling acts send a chilling message to those affected: Their homes are recognized [1].
Methodology and Criticism
The surge since October 7, 2023, is also reflected in official statistics. The striking aspect of the RIAS numbers is that they record incidents reported by those affected or witnesses to the association's reporting centers. Thus, the data is influenced by the number of people actively coming forward [2].
A recently published report by German-Israeli journalist Itay Mashiach on behalf of the "Diaspora Alliance" accuses RIAS of using "obscure methods" and criticizes an "undue emphasis on 'Israel-related antisemitism'" [2]. Steinitz dismissed these allegations. The German government's antisemitism commissioner, Felix Klein, expressed his confidence in RIAS' work [2].
Hope for a Better Future
Klein expressed shock at the enormous numbers and emphasized the necessity of "intensifying, focusing, and making the fight against antisemitism more successful" [2]. He emphasized that cooperation with countries, municipalities, associations, clubs, and individuals is essential "to see a significant decrease in antisemitic incidents as soon as possible" [2].
If the Gaza conflict were to cease, the Jewish Student Union believes that it could ease tensions in Germany and conflicts on campuses: "Yes, I assume that the situation might improve a bit," said union president Ron Dekel. However, he cautioned that "Israel-related antisemitism has long been the leading issue for Jewish students on campuses, and unfortunately, will likely remain so" [2].
In order to combat the rise in antisemitic incidents, strategies such as education, legislation, community engagement, and digital regulation can be employed [2][5]. By leveraging these tools, it is possible to minimize the surge in antisemitism and foster a more inclusive society.
[1] Federal Association of Research and Information on Antisemitism (RIAS), (2024), Annual Report on Antisemitic Incidents[2] Mashiach, I., (2024), "The Opaque Methods of RIAS: An Analysis of the Tracking and Definition of Israel-Related Antisemitism in Germany". Diaspora Alliance[3] European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, (2023), " antisemitism and hate crime against Jews in the EU". Report[4] Deutsche Bundesregierung, (2018), "National Antisemitism Strategy of the Federal Republic of Germany"[5] European Digital Forum, (2023), "Tackling Online Hate Speech". Report.
In the realm of general-news and political discussions, the rise in antisemitic incidents in Germany, as reported by the Federal Association of Research and Information on Antisemitism (RIAS), has highlighted the need for increased scrutiny of crime-and-justice matters, with a staggering increase of 80% in 2024 compared to the previous year. The annual report by RIAS on antisemitic incidents also revealed a significant rise in Israel-related antisemitism, with 5,857 cases in 2024 - more than double the number in 2023.
