EU watchdog reports surge in anti-Semitism across Europe amid Gaza conflict
Recent reports by the Agency for Fundamental Rights of the EU indicate that there is a surge in antisemitic incidents all over Europe, developing a worrying tendency in the context of the Gaza conflict. A worrisome rise in physical and verbal assaults against Jews and vandalism of Jewish institutions characterizes this increase in antisemitic violence.
For instance, in France, the nation has counted more than 1,200 antisemitic acts since early October 2023, nearly tripling the total for all of 2022. A consistent pattern follows across the majority of Europe: in Belgium and Denmark, each shows sharply rising incidents mostly. In the UK, the Community Security Trust has reported more than 1,000 antisemitic incidents in a single month—the highest ever recorded in such a short period.
This jump in antisemitism has meant tightened security for Jewish communities across Europe. Synagogues, schools, and other Jewish institutions have been on high-security alert, and there have been reports of Jews attempting to dress less conspicuously to avoid being targeted.
The FRA, as well as watchdog groups, note that antisemitism is frequently blurred with anti-Israel government policies. While, indeed, legitimate criticism of a government is part of the usual political discourse, at times, it crosses into antisemitic rhetoric and actions. It is destructive in that it allows for hateful speech, physical attacks, and vandalism of Jewish sites. It is in these blurred lines between anti-Israel sentiment and antisemitism that some have exploited to justify broader hate against Jews.
In turn, European governments and Jewish organizations are demanding more brutal line measures against antisemitism, such as education for young people to know where political criticism stops and hate speech starts, more vital legislation, and security for the protection of Jewish communities. While opposition to policies can be voiced, it does not translate into hate against people based on their religion.
The case underlines the need for vigilance and unity in defending European Jewish communities during these tumultuous times.
