Antisemitic incidents in Germany have seen a sharp rise following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. According to a recent report by the civil society group of the Department for Research and Information on Antisemitism (RIAS) Berlin, these incidents have increased more than four-fold. RIAS documented a shocking 320 percent increase in antisemitic incidents from 2022, recording 994 cases between October 7 and November 9 alone.
This surge included a marked increase in antisemitism following October 17, the night of a devastating explosion at the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza. Out of the reported incidents, 854 involved offensive or hurtful behaviour, while other incidents encompassed violent attacks, targeted damage to Jewish community centres and residential properties. There has also been a surge in antisemitic symbolism, with perpetrators marking residential buildings with Stars of David or swastikas and issuing threats.
Disturbingly, the report has highlighted increased antisemitism in universities and workplaces, with Jewish students and employees reportedly being blamed for Israel’s conduct. According to RIAS, 91 percent of the reported incidents were categorized as anti-Israeli-based antisemitism. Included in these are 177 pro-Palestinian protests classified as antisemitic incidents, due to their alleged glorification and legitimizing of Hamas terror. RIAS claimed that such incidents point to an antisemitic worldview, even when not explicit antisemitism per se.
Meanwhile, the German government is voicing similar concerns. Politicians from nearly all parties have condemned anti-Israel protests as antisemitic, leading to arrests and bans on a number of demonstrations across the country. Freedom of peaceful assembly, although protected under Article 8 of the German Constitution, is being reevaluated in this context. Both MPs and Prime Minister Olaf Scholz have reiterated that there is zero tolerance for antisemitic or anti-Israel incitement or violence.