On the eve of Disaster and Heroism Day, the Anti-Defamation League and Tel Aviv University released a report on the rise of antisemitic sentiments worldwide. The document reveals a significant surge in hatred towards Jews following October 7, 2023.
In New York, the city with the largest Jewish population globally, police recorded 325 hate crimes against Jews in 2023, compared to 261 in 2022. Similarly, in Los Angeles, the figure rose to 165 from 85 the previous year.
Overall, the Anti-Defamation League documented 7,523 antisemitic incidents in the United States, up from 3,697 in 2022. This included a rise in attacks from 111 to 161 and vandalism cases from 1,288 to 2,106.
In France, antisemitic incidents surged from 436 in 2022 to 1,676 in 2023, with attacks increasing from 43 to 85 cases. The UK saw incidents rise from 1,662 to 4,103 in 2023, with attacks increasing from 136 to 266 cases. Significant increases were also observed in Germany, Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, Italy, and Australia.
"This is not 1938, or even 1933. But if the current trend continues, the possibility of living a Jewish lifestyle in the West will come to an end - this includes wearing the Star of David, going to synagogue, sending children to Jewish schools, and speaking Hebrew," says Uriya Shavit, head of the Center for the Study of Contemporary Jewry.
Shavit also contends that despite its limited ability to support Jewish communities, Israel is not doing all it can. "There is no effective plan to combat antisemitism based on the needs of Jewish communities - everything is limited to pompous statements and haphazard initiatives," he adds.
