Report indicates massive 600% increase in antisemitic incidents around the world

The recently released annual report by the Diaspora Ministry, the World Zionist Organization, and the Jewish Agency for the years 2023 and January 2024 has brought to light a concerning rise in antisemitic incidents globally. The data, spanning from October to December, indicates a staggering sixfold increase in antisemitic occurrences compared to the preceding months of January through September in 2023. Following the attacks on October 7, antisemitic incidents reached an unprecedented record high. The geographical distribution of these incidents reveals a widespread issue, with the United States accounting for 43% and Europe close behind at 35%. A deeper dive into the report highlights a 33% surge in violent antisemitic attacks in 2023 compared to the previous year. Shockingly, 48% of these attacks are linked to the Swords of Iron Operation, with 46% of them taking place in the United States. The United Kingdom follows with 16%, Germany with 9%, and both France and Canada with 6%, while Australia reports 2.5%. Country-specific analysis unveils France experiencing a staggering 1000% surge in antisemitic events, trailed by Canada at 800%, Australia at 738%, the US at 337%, and Germany at 320%. Expressing deep concern, Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli emphasised the gravity of the situation. He stated, “This year has been unlike any other. The hatred of Israel around the world is the most severe since the 1930s of the previous century. Jews across the West feel unsafe, facing assaults for speaking Hebrew on European subways and even being murdered for carrying Israeli flags.” Minister Chikli proposed a shift from a defensive stance to an offensive one, urging legal action against Hamas and Palestinian organizations for antisemitism and incitement to terror. He pointed out the Palestinian Authority’s role in promoting terror and supporting terrorists financially, emphasizing the need to combat this with appropriate measures.