Following the war in the South, a troubling report was released today (Monday), indicating a 500% increase in antisemitic incidents that have occurred since the beginning of the conflict. This information comes from sources within the World Zionist Organization, the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, and the Jewish Agency.
The report that was published presented a rise of approximately 500% in the number of antisemitic incidents compared to the same period last year. It also showed about a 400% increase in antisemitic discourse on selected social networks compared to the period preceding the war.
56% of Jewish students worldwide live in an atmosphere of fear
The published data indicate that not only modern antisemitism and calls for Israel's destruction have increased but also calls to harm Jewish communities worldwide due to the war. For example, in the past two weekends, the terrorist organization ISIS called on its followers to target Jewish presence all around the world.
Among other things, the organization called for providing military support to "Palestine" by launching attacks on Jewish neighborhoods in the United States, in Europe, and worldwide, attacking Jewish and "Zionist" embassies through arson and destruction, targeting synagogues everywhere, assaulting "Jewish clubs," assassinating anyone who visits them, and targeting Jewish economic facilities worldwide.
Also, in the report on anti-Semitic incidents in the post-Soviet space since the beginning of hostilities, it is reported that campuses in the United States, Latin America, Australia, and South Africa have been affected. In universities worldwide, most Jewish students report feelings of fear (56%) and sadness (67%) due to the situation in Israel.
Furthermore, about 25% of students reported incidents of hate activities and violence that occurred on campuses since the outbreak of the war, and approximately 58% claim that they do not receive support from their college or university where they study.
Another significant aspect where the escalation in hatred against Jews is evident is in the former Soviet Union. Anti-Israel discourse is heard from prominent public figures, propagandists, and officials close to the ruling circles in Russia and Belarus. Many Jewish communities around the world report a significant decrease in personal security feelings (87% of respondents), along with emotions of anger, anxiety, and shock.
Scales of anti-Semitism that have not been seen in the last decade
Racheli Bratz Ricks, the head of the Department for Combating Antisemitism at the World Zionist Organization, said: "The extent of antisemitism in the recent period is on a scale that hasn't been seen in the past decade. It is clear that the war is the most influential factor in this. These data should concern us all and prompt our country and its people to act accordingly."
Avi Cohen Skali, Director-General of the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and the Fight Against Antisemitism, stated: "Chilling waves of antisemitism are sweeping through the countries of the world these days. The first step in trying to cope with the situation is to consolidate a unified situation assessment, combining the efforts of the government and the Jewish communities."
According to him: "This is a necessary step for an effective fight against antisemitism, the direct consequence of which is the saving of Jewish lives. We are working to formulate practical steps to deal with this emergency situation."
