Stand Up Against European Antisemitism

In recent years, Europe has witnessed a disturbing resurgence of Antisemitism, manifesting in both overt acts of violence and subtle forms of discrimination. This alarming trend threatens the safety and well-being of Jewish communities across the continent.

Alarming Statistics: The Daily Reality of Antisemitism in Europe

A comprehensive survey conducted by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) revealed that a staggering 96% of Jewish respondents had encountered Antisemitism in their daily lives, with the majority experiencing harassment online.

This pervasive hostility has led to a climate of fear, causing many to conceal their Jewish identity and avoid public Jewish events.

The Impact of Geopolitical Conflicts: A Surge in Hate Crimes

The situation has deteriorated further in the wake of recent geopolitical conflicts. Following the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023, there has been a significant increase in anti-Semitic incidents across Europe. In the United Kingdom, for instance, religious hate crimes reached a record high of 10,484 incidents in the 2023-24 period, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. Notably, anti-Semitic offenses saw a sharp rise during this time.

France has also experienced a surge in anti-Semitic acts. The Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions (CRIF) reported that, for the first time since World War II, Antisemitism is being fueled at all levels of French society. This unsettling development underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat this hatred.

SWC’s Call to Action: Measures to Combat Antisemitism

The Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) is deeply concerned about these developments and calls upon the European Union and its member states to take decisive action. We recommend the following measures:

1. Adopt the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism: Implement the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of Antisemitism in public schools and institutions. This includes recognizing the inherent Antisemitism in calls for Israel’s destruction.
2. Enhance Security Measures: Increase protection for Jewish institutions, including schools, synagogues, and community centers, to ensure the safety of all members.
3. Educational Initiatives: Introduce mandatory curricula in public schools covering the history of European Jewry from ancient times to the present day, fostering understanding and tolerance.
4. Strengthen Legal Frameworks: Enforce stringent laws against hate crimes and ensure that perpetrators of anti-Semitic acts are held accountable.
5. Promote Interfaith Dialogue: Encourage conversations between different religious and cultural communities to build mutual respect and understanding.

As Rabbi Abraham Cooper, SWC Associate Dean and Director of Global Social Action, stated, “The fact that a significant percentage of Jews in the EU are afraid to wear a kippah in public or show other outward signs of Jewish identity tells us that European Antisemitism is not a small problem but a five-alarm fire.”

A Universal Fight: Why Combating Antisemitism Matters

The rise of Antisemitism is not just a Jewish issue; it is a human rights issue that threatens the very fabric of European society. We must all stand together to confront this menace.

Join the Simon Wiesenthal Center in our mission to combat Antisemitism and promote human rights. Your support is crucial in ensuring a safe and inclusive Europe for all. Stand with us—together, we can make a difference.