Antisemitic Attacks are Quickly Escalating in Germany

Germany has witnessed a disturbing surge in antisemitic incidents. Triggered by the Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7, a stark increase in antisemitic actions has been reported, highlighting a worrying trend in societal behavior and attitudes.

The Federal Association of Departments for Research and Information on Antisemitism (RIAS), a German organization dedicated to monitoring antisemitism, has recorded an alarming 994 incidents between October 7 and November 9. This figure represents an average of 29 incidents per day, which is a significant escalation compared to the previous year’s daily average of seven. The increase is a staggering 320% year-on-year when compared to the same period in 2022.

These incidents encompass a range of hostile behaviors, including three cases of extreme violence, 29 physical attacks, and 72 instances of targeted property destruction. Furthermore, 854 cases were classified as injurious behavior, which primarily involved antisemitic expressions and actions. Notably, 177 of these were identified as antisemitic gatherings, shedding light on the widespread nature of this disturbing trend.

Jewish individuals and institutions have been targeted in various aspects of daily life, including neighborhoods, workplaces, and educational institutions. The incidents range from graffiti and the dissemination of antisemitic leaflets to brutal physical attacks, deeply infringing on the personal safety and wellbeing of Jewish communities. In residential areas alone, 59 cases were reported, underlining the intrusion of antisemitism into personal and private spaces.

The situation at universities is equally concerning, with a reported 37 incidents of antisemitism, including anti-Israel propaganda, antisemitic graffiti, and flyers. This uptick in antisemitic sentiment at higher education institutions is particularly alarming, as it suggests an increasing normalization of such views among the younger population.

The political background of these incidents varies, with a significant portion attributed to anti-Israel activism. Other incidents have been linked to Islamic/Islamist, left-wing, or anti-imperialist ideologies, as well as right-wing extremism and conspiracy theories. However, in 63% of cases, the political motivation remains unknown.

RIAS’s findings also indicate a notable impact of international events on local sentiments. The Israeli military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, following the militant-Islamist group’s October 7 terror attacks, has influenced the frequency and nature of demonstrations in Germany. Antisemitic actions and slogans have been observed during these events, suggesting a correlation between international conflicts and domestic expressions of antisemitism.

The response from Jewish communities to this rise in hostility has been one of concern and adaptation. Many individuals have resorted to concealing their Jewish identity, such as avoiding wearing symbols like the Star of David or covering traditional headwear. Parents have even reported keeping their children out of schools and kindergartens due to fears of antisemitic attacks.

RIAS’s report, along with data from the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), which registered 680 antisemitic criminal offenses since October 7, paints a grim picture of the current state of antisemitism in Germany. This increase in incidents has prompted calls for more robust action against antisemitism across all sectors of society, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility and intervention to combat this rising tide of hate and intolerance.