Nearly 65% of Israelis living in Europe said that their personal sense of security in their place of residence had significantly decreased since October 7, a survey, published Wednesday, and conducted ahead of the annual conference "Israelis in Europe Against Antisemitism" highlighted.
The research reveals a decline in the sense of security among Israelis living across Europe, with nearly 70% reporting that they have either experienced or witnessed an antisemitic or anti-Israel incident.
Among the conference participants surveyed, many Israelis across the continent felt that the past year had drastically shifted their quality of life.
Its members had even started avoiding Israeli or Jewish symbols in public spaces, according to the survey responses.
In response to the marked rise in antisemitism, ICE (Israeli Community Europe), in partnership with the CAM (Combat Antisemitism Movement), is hosting its second conference on the subject. The online event has brought together over 100 participants from 15 countries.
Wolfberg: Jews should not hide their identity in Europe now
Maya Wolfberg, Director of ICE’s Antisemitism and Holocaust Remembrance Department, shared: "For me, this conference is not just an event, it’s a process, both personal and communal."
She added, "As a granddaughter of Holocaust survivors who primarily experienced the Holocaust in hiding, it’s hard to accept that today, there are Israelis and Jews in Europe who feel the need to hide because of their identity, on that very land."
Wolfberg highlighted: "This feeling drives me to act because we must not remain silent. I believe we must stand tall and act together, even if the steps are small. At this conference, we have the opportunity to remind Israelis that they are not alone, that there is a community here, solidarity, and partners in the struggle, and an opportunity to act together."
Demonstrations against antisemitism become popular
After four days of barricading, a group of Jewish and non-Jewish students at the Technical University of Berlin ended their protest against rising antisemitism on campus last week, facing harassment and threats.
The protest began after the election of a new student union board, which, according to the protesters, included groups promoting anti-Israel messages and justifying the October 7 attack.
During the demonstration, signs were displayed in the student area, demanding an end to financial support for organizations promoting antisemitic content, a ban on campus events that justify terrorism, and the creation of a safe space for Jewish and Israeli students.
Protesters also called for the reelection of an antisemitism officer in coordination with Jewish representatives in the city.