Antisemitism Sweeps Europe

Written by Jack Elbaum

What’s happening: A wave of antisemitism has swept Europe amid the Israel-Hamas war. During October, antisemitic incidents reportedly rose 300 percent in Austria, 1,300 percent in London, and 240 percent in Germany.

• The reaction: Security at Jewish institutions has increased and some have been advised not to wear a kippah in public.

Germany: On the day of Hamas’s surprise attack, supporters in Berlin handed out pastries in celebration. Swastikas were drawn onto a remaining section of the Berlin Wall with the words, “Kill Jews,” and Molotov cocktails were thrown at a synagogue. Authorities also arrested a man for allegedly planning to ram a vehicle into pro-Israel protesters.

• Sentiment:More than a quarter of Muslims in Germany agree that “Wealthy Jews are the real rulers of the world,” according to polling from July.

France: Buildings were marked with Stars of David in Paris. Other threats were sent to a Jewish politician, and someone wrote, “Killing Jews is a duty” on a building.

Russia: An antisemitic mob stormed an airport in Dagestan — a majority-Muslim area — after hearing that a flight from Tel Aviv was arriving, intending to attack Jewish or Israeli passengers. The day prior, another Dagestan mob descended on a hotel looking for Jews and left after none were found.

Why it matters: Antisemitism has been a pressing issue in European society for years, with hate incidents rising substantially since 2000. Some dismissed it, but the mask is off now. The problem is crystal clear, raising questions about the future of Europe’s Jewish community.