Antisemitic Incidents Surge Across Europe Amid Growing Tensions
On November 7, Amsterdam bore witness to disturbing scenes of violence attributed to an anti-Israel mob, an incident that Israeli President Isaac Herzog poignantly termed an “antisemitic pogrom.” The unrest erupted after a soccer match involving an Israeli team, culminating in a chaotic “Jew hunt” where Jewish individuals and those associated with Israel found themselves targeted. The brutality of the attacks resulted in five victims being hospitalized, escalating public outrage and refocusing attention on the alarming rise of antisemitism across the continent.
Escalating Violence and Public Reaction
Just days following the Amsterdam violence, on November 11, further tensions boiled over as protesters ignited a tram, illustrating the pervasive nature of antisemitic sentiments resulting from recent global conflicts.
Rabbi Abraham Cooper, the Associate Dean and Director of Global Social Action at the Simon Wiesenthal Center, revealed in an interview with Fox News Digital that the organization felt compelled to issue a rare travel advisory for Amsterdam. “Theoretically, you can slap a travel advisory on almost every place in Western Europe,” Cooper stated, critiquing European governments for their inadequate measures to ensure the safety and rights of Jewish citizens.
Antisemitism’s Alarming Rise Since October 7
The spike in antisemitism appears to correlate with the heightened tensions prompted by Hamas’ shocking terror attack on Israel on October 7. Data from the World Zionist Organization indicates a dramatic increase in antisemitic incidents across Europe, with Sweden witnessing an unprecedented 800% rise. Spain reported a 680% increase, while the Netherlands, the UK, and France documented rises of 450%, 442%, and 433% respectively, according to findings reported by Ynetnews.
The protests instigated by these tensions have not confined themselves to the Netherlands. On November 10, Belgian authorities acted decisively by arresting five individuals after calls for a “Jew Hunt” were circulated on social media, particularly targeting Antwerp’s Jewish Quarter, as detailed in reports by The Jerusalem Post.
In Greece, pro-Palestinian protests turned violent, prompting Israel’s Foreign Affairs Ministry to issue warnings advising its citizens against visiting certain areas and to remove identifying symbols. The climate of hostility has been further exacerbated by previous anti-Israel demonstrations, which included a significant incident in June at the University of Athens that culminated in deportation proceedings against nine Europeans.
Broader Implications Across Europe
The rising tide of antisemitism extends beyond mere protests; it is a dire public safety concern. On November 7, a youth soccer team in Berlin faced an alarming attack from a crowd wielding knives and sticks, vehemently shouting “Free Palestine,” according to The Jerusalem Post. By late November, the Chief of Police in Berlin warned Jewish and LGBTQ+ residents to exercise heightened caution, particularly in neighborhoods with large Arab populations, indicating sympathies for terrorist organizations among some community members.
This intensifying climate of fear has compelled many Jewish Germans to adopt protective measures, including concealing their identities. Rabbi Cooper emphasized this phenomenon of “self-censorship,” where Jewish individuals feel the need to remove kippahs and other symbols of their faith. Cooper lamented that it has been nearly 15 years since a Jewish person felt comfortable walking to synagogue in Amsterdam while wearing a kippah. In France, the situation is equally grave, with many Jewish citizens opting to take down mezuzahs, avoid rides in Ubers, or even change their names during deliveries to evade potential backlash. Antisemitic incidents in France surged to a staggering 1,676 in 2023, up from just 436 the previous year. As a result, approximately 1,200 French Jews applied to emigrate to Israel in 2023—a surge of 430% compared to 2022.
A Call for Immediate Action
The pervasive rise in antisemitism represents a chilling reality. Rabbi Cooper expressed sorrow over Europe’s failure to adequately recognize and celebrate its Jewish communities. He remarked, “It is enormously painful to see that Europe gives due deference once or twice a year to dead Jews but still hasn’t figured out how to honor Jewish life and presence in their societies.” This sentiment echoes the warnings of Holocaust survivor Simon Wiesenthal, who cautioned that such hatred often begins with the Jews but never remains confined to them alone.
The dire situation has been brought to the attention of authorities in the United States as well. Fox News Digital contacted the U.S. State Department to discuss the possibility of issuing travel advisories for Jewish Americans visiting Europe. A spokesperson emphasized the necessity of providing timely information but noted that existing advisories, such as the Netherlands’ Level-Two Travel Advisory, primarily focus on terrorism threats without explicit references to antisemitism. The same lack of focus is evident in the advisories for France, Germany, Belgium, and Greece.
Looking Forward
Rabbi Cooper expressed hope that the incoming U.S. administration would prioritize combating antisemitism as a pivotal component of American foreign policy. He advocates for this to be a cornerstone of U.S. engagement, particularly within international organizations that depend heavily on American funding.
The alarming rise in antisemitic incidents across Europe during these challenging times not only underscores a precarious reality for Jewish communities but also calls for immediate and decisive action. As tensions continue to grow, it becomes imperative for governments and societies to confront this challenge head-on, fostering environments where the Jewish community can thrive in safety and dignity.
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