Rising Antisemitism in Europe Linked to Middle East Conflict, EU Survey Reveals
A recent survey conducted by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights has shed light on the alarming rise of antisemitism in Europe, with a significant portion of respondents attributing it to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The survey, which polled over 8,000 Jewish individuals aged over 16 in 13 EU countries, found that 96% of participants had experienced antisemitism in the year leading up to the survey. Of those surveyed, 84% considered antisemitism to be a major problem in their country, while less than 20% believed that governments were effectively addressing this issue. The data collected by the Viennabased agency also revealed a staggering 400% increase in antisemitic attacks reported by Jewish umbrella organizations following the conflict in October 2023.The director of the agency, Sirpa Rautio, emphasized the detrimental impact of this wave of antisemitism on the safety and dignity of Jewish communities in Europe. Rautio called for a reinforcement of existing laws and strategies to combat all forms of hate, both online and offline, in order to protect these communities.According to the survey, four out of five respondents noted a rise in antisemitism over the past five years in their respective countries, with 64% of those who encountered antisemitism reporting frequent experiences. Additionally, over 90% of participants highlighted the prevalence of antisemitic content on the internet and social media as a major concern. The survey also revealed that 60% of respondents worried about their family's safety, and a similar percentage expressed that the Arab-Israeli conflict impacted their sense of security.With France and Germany being home to a significant Jewish population in Europe, both countries have witnessed a surge in antisemitic incidents following the conflict in October 2023. In France, antisemitic acts spiked significantly, prompting concerns within the Jewish communities ahead of a key election. Likewise, Germany reported a rise in anti-Jewish violence, with the country's antisemitism commissioner warning of possible regression to darker times.In light of these alarming findings, the EU agency is calling on governments to prioritize funding for the security and protection needs of Jewish communities, including schools, synagogues, and community centers. The agency also advocates for the effective utilization of EU legislation, such as the Digital Services Act, to remove antisemitic content online and to enhance the prosecution of antisemitic hate crimes.The survey underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts at the national and EU levels to address and combat the rising tide of antisemitism in Europe. It is imperative that concrete measures are taken to safeguard the well-being and rights of Jewish communities amidst these troubling developments.
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