Surge in Anti-Semitic Incidents in Germany

Germany has witnessed a troubling rise in anti-Semitic incidents, reaching a record high of 8,627 cases in 2024—a 77% increase from the previous year. This alarming trend is documented by RIAS, highlighting a surge following the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. Jews in Germany face increasing pressure, often being unjustly held accountable for the Israeli government's actions.

The rise in incidents includes a range of anti-Semitic expressions, from extreme violence and physical attacks to vandalism and verbal abuse. Notable incidents include attacks on Jewish individuals by extremists and the defacement of Jewish properties with anti-Semitic symbols. This surge in hostility has been linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the suffering of the Palestinian population, leading to a normalization of anti-Semitism in various contexts, including universities and political environments.

German officials, including Federal Interior Minister Dobrindt and Education Minister Prien, have expressed concern over this disturbing trend. They emphasize the importance of programs like "Demokratie leben!" to combat anti-Semitism and stress the need for financial support for civil society initiatives. Calls for appointing anti-Semitism commissioners at universities reflect the urgent need to address this issue.

Despite criticism from the Diaspora Alliance regarding RIAS's work, the German government's anti-Semitism commissioner supports the organization's efforts. As tensions persist, particularly in academic settings, there remains a pressing need to tackle Israel-related anti-Semitism, which poses a significant threat to Jewish communities in Germany.