Antisemitism has emerged as a concerning and deeply rooted issue within European society, raising alarms about the existential threat it poses to the continent’s Jewish community and the core values of the European Union. This stark warning comes from Michael O’Flaherty, the director of the European Union’s agency for fundamental rights. He emphasized that, despite undeniable instances where dramatic events trigger antisemitic responses, only a third of the general population views antisemitism as a substantial problem.
The recent conflict sparked by the attacks in Israel on October 7th by Palestinians has significantly intensified the prevalence of antisemitic incidents across Europe. The high number of civilian casualties resulting from Israel’s response has further heightened tensions.
Statistics provided by the U.S.-based Anti-Defamation League (ADL) underline the gravity of the situation. Austria recorded a striking 300% surge in antisemitic incidents, reflecting the impact of the recent events. In the UK, London police reported a shocking 13-fold increase in antisemitic hate crimes between October 1st and 18th compared to the previous year.
Germany has also witnessed a distressing surge in antisemitic incidents since the events on October 7th, with a reported increase of 240%. The country’s antisemitism commissioner has expressed concern that these trends risk harkening back to some of the darkest chapters in Germany’s history.
Many experts who study hate crimes point to the presence of deeply ingrained negative stereotypes and ideas about Jewish people. These biases have always existed but tend to surface more prominently during times of societal stress and upheaval.
The ADL’s research on antisemitic attitudes in Western Europe reveals a range of statistics. Spain, for instance, exhibits the highest level of antisemitic beliefs, with 26% of the population holding extensive antisemitic views. Belgium follows closely with 24%, while France and Germany stand at 17% and 12%, respectively. The United Kingdom records 10% of those polled holding antisemitic views, while the Netherlands boasts the lowest percentage at 6%.
In Eastern Europe, antisemitic attitudes are still prevalent, although they are gradually becoming less common. The ADL’s data illustrates that Hungary and Poland have relatively high levels of antisemitic beliefs, with 37% and 35% of the population, respectively, acknowledging such attitudes.
These findings emphasize the importance of addressing antisemitism as a deep-seated issue that requires collective efforts to combat it. The challenge of eradicating these harmful beliefs remains a critical task for maintaining a just and harmonious society in Europe.
