A surge of antisemitic incidents, including a 1,180% increase in antisemitic discourse, has swept across the globe during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, according to a report released by Israel’s national institutions and government and coordinated by the Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Ministry, the World Zionist Organization, and the Jewish Agency.
The report, published on Wednesday, detailed an almost 12-fold increase in antisemitic discourse, including calls for violence against Israel, Zionists, and Jews. Almost all of it was in Arabic (71%) and English (28%), underscoring the profound impact of the war on Jewish communities both within Israel and in the Diaspora.
The surge in antisemitic events was particularly evident in physical and online spaces, significantly affecting the lives of Jewish communities worldwide.
The main figures in the report include:• A 1,180% surge in global antisemitic incidents during the war;• One-third of the events occurred in the US, with hotspots in cities, including New York;• A 330% increase in violent antisemitic incidents;• 71% of the incidents originated from Arab and Islamic online groups;• 25% of Jewish students experienced hate and violence on campuses;• 87% felt less secure in Jewish communities.
About one-third of all antisemitic incidents were documented in the US, predominantly in areas with significant Jewish populations, such as New York, Florida, Chicago, and California, the report said. Furthermore, universities and colleges in these areas became hotspots for antisemitic activities.
There was a 330% increase in violent antisemitic events, a 128% rise in the desecration of Jewish sites, a 660% increase in harassment, and a 300% increase in threats.
Two main sources of surge in antisemitism
The report attributed the surge in antisemitism to two main sources: Arab and Islamic groups that view Israel as an apartheid state carrying out “genocide” in response to Hamas attacks; and far-right groups and white supremacists who exploited the situation to promote antisemitic stereotypes and conspiracy theories.
The report emphasized the alarming use of social networks, such as 4Chan, BitChute, Stormfront, and 8KUN, where antisemitic content surged 1,180%. The content often included calls for violence against Israel, Zionists, and Jews, with the majority of discourse in Arabic (71%) and English (28%).
The report also highlighted a significant uptick in demonstrations worldwide in support of Hamas, some of which have included explicit threats against Jews and the destruction of Israel. The use of swastikas and imagery of Hitler has been used, as some attempted to draw parallels between Israel’s actions and what the Nazis did during the Holocaust.
The impact of the global surge in antisemitism on Jewish communities has been profound, the report said. About 87% of the respondents reported a decrease in personal security, along with increased feelings of anger, anxiety, and shock. Many also indicated a decline in their willingness to publicly display their Jewish identity.
Security services in numerous countries heightened security measures for Jewish institutions, and some Jewish schools temporarily closed their doors to protect their students.
On university campuses worldwide, Jewish students reported feelings of fear and sadness, with about 25% saying they had experienced hate and violence related to the conflict. Pressure mounted on universities to address antisemitic expressions, and donors began to withdraw their financial support from institutions that failed to do so, the report said.