Antisemitism report of the Department for Combatting Antisemitism in 2022: World Zionist Organisation

The report shows that the increase in the number of antisemitic incidents has been curbed after an increase in the last decade, but the situation still remains alarming. The report shows that every day more than ten antisemitic incidents are reported around the world, while many incidents are still not officially reported. Also, a constant increase in intensity is observed in the media coverage compared with previous years. It should be emphasised that the Russia-Ukraine war created a conspiracy in the context of the outbreak of the war. The report also shows that the boycott and BDS organisations are significant factors in the spread of antisemitism around the world.

Global view:

Distribution of antisemitic incidents around the world.

During the year 2022, antisemitic incidents originating in Europe and USA occupied a significant volume of approximately 46% and 39%, respectively, compared with 47.7% that occurred in 2021 in Europe and 33% in the USA.

The distribution of expressions of antisemitism* – most of the antisemitic events in 2022 were characterised by propaganda, which stood at about 39%, and represent an increase of 15% from 2021, and vandalism (28%), with physical violence (14%), verbal (11%) and delegitimacy (7%), where only 1% of all types of events were characterised by demonstrations.

The conclusions of the report in a cross-section of countries:

USA

An alarming increase in the phenomenon of antisemitism is being observed, which manifests itself in disturbing trends in view of the strengthening of white supremacist organisations alongside the increase of antisemitic statements from the American progressive left, this alongside the mid-term elections for the US Congress which were fertile ground for the spread of Antisemitism. According to data on the subject in recent years, there has been a jump in 61% in the number of cases of violence or planning of violence against Jewish institutions. At the same time, from a report on the subject, there was a 125% increase in the number of hate crimes against Jews in the State of New York, while in major cities such as Chicago, New York and Los Angeles there was an increase of approximately 20% in the first half of 2022.

In addition, the activity of the BDS organisations on campuses in the USA is constantly increasing, and according to samples conducted on the subject, one out of three students in the USA testified that they experienced antisemitism during the school year, with almost 80% of students experiencing it more than once. During the year 2022, over 350 Antisemitic incidents occurred on campuses, with many of the Jewish students feeling the need to hide their identity or their support for Israel. In addition, during the year 2022, approximately 165 demonstrations and actions took place at universities and colleges across the US.

Britain

The issues under consideration are taking place in light of the changes in government that affect the Jewish communities in Great Britain, in light of the election of the new Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, who is recognised as a supporter of Israel and, according to the report’s data, 786 cases of Antisemitism were recorded in the first half of the year, which is a 43% decrease compared to the previous year, when in the first half of 2021, 1,371 cases of antisemitism were reported – an all-time record high. Alongside, from the report’s data, there is an increase in Antisemitism in the British education system, according to which, over the past five years, there has been a 173% increase in the number of Antisemitic incidents in schools. In addition, between the years 2021-2022, an increase of close to 30% was observed in the cases of Antisemitism in educational institutions.

Germany

During the months of January-September 2022, 1,555 Antisemitic incidents were reported to the German criminal police, which is an average of five cases of Antisemitism every day. However, it seems that compared to previous years, there is a significant decrease in the trend of antisemitism, which worsened due to the outbreak of the Corona epidemic and Operation “Guardian of the Walls” in Israel, during which in 2021 the number of cases was approximately 2,738 and 1,957 cases in 2020.

Italy

The events of last year were highlighted by a number of incidents of violence against Jews alongside reports of an increase in the number of antisemitic incidents according to the data of the Jewish organisations in the country. The report also presents the Antisemitism present in the education system in Italy which was examined among high schools in the country. Another factor was the election campaign in Italy which was accompanied by antisemitic statements as part of the ongoing struggle between the right and left parties to form the government.

According to a sample conducted on the subject in high schools in Rome, it was found that 64% of the students believe that antisemitism exists in Italy, when asked about the source – 25% of the respondents answered that it originates from Antisemitism, 5% answered that it originates from anti-Zionism and 30% believed that the hostility stems from these two factors. In addition, 90% of the respondents voted that it is very important to continue commemorating the Holocaust as part of promoting a discourse on Jewish History in the country and raising awareness of antisemitism.

France

The election of President Emmanuel Macron for a second term is a vote to maintain the moderate character of the country, but nevertheless, the election system in the country caused a storm in the form of the rise of extreme factions that encourage antisemitism. The report shows a decrease in the number of Antisemitic incidents compared to 2021. However, the trends of antisemitism in France reveal a grim picture that about 74% of French Jews were victims of antisemitic acts during their life, which included derogatory comments (68%), threats on social networks (28%), verbal threats (20%) and physical violence (20%). At the same time, 37% of the Jews voted that they feel threatened because of religious affiliation, with 41% of the Jewish respondents admitting that they avoided displaying mezuzahs and religious symbols and about 35% claimed that they avoided wearing a type of clothing identified as Jewish.

Also, most of the respondents – Jews (77%) and non-Jews (73%) alike – believe that antisemitism is a problematic factor not only for the Jews in the country, but for the whole of French society. At the same time, the survey found that French Jews feel that Antisemitism in the country is getting stronger among the general population: 85% of French Jews believe that antisemitism is now a widespread phenomenon in France today, with 73% claiming that it has increased in the last decade, while among the general population – 64% Antisemitism is seen as a growing problem. In addition, the survey shows that 80% of those who experienced an Antisemitic act did not file a complaint with the authorities in France and 76% did not report these events to community associations.

France’s preoccupation with Antisemitism and the commemoration of the Holocaust

About half of the residents (51%) believe that they deal with antisemitism to the desired extent, while 34% claim that they do not talk about the phenomenon enough, while 15% believe that they deal with the issue too much. In relation to the Holocaust, 45% of all French residents believe that commemorating the Holocaust is important but not essential. 39% of the general population think that commemorating the Holocaust is essential and 16% claimed that the issue is not important at all.

Russia

During the last decade, a constant decrease in the number of Antisemitic incidents in Russia has been detected, but from a study carried out at the beginning of 2022 it seems that antisemitism is still rooted in the country, The study found that 13% of respondents do not want to see Jews at all.

Ukraine

In recent years, an increase in the number of antisemitic incidents has been detected, but since the outbreak of the war with Russia, the number of reports of antisemitic incidents has decreased, when it can be assumed that these numbers are not accurate. The Jewish community of Ukraine continues to publish reports on Antisemitic incidents, but under the sounds of war it is not possible to see the full picture of the state of Antisemitism in the country.

Iran

In view of the strengthening of Iranian ties with anti-American elements in Latin America, which gives it economic and military profits, Iran has earned billions of dollars that have helped strengthen its nuclear capabilities, this activity is a source of threat to the Jewish community in South America in terms of terrorism in the classical sense rather than a risk of Antisemitism. This Iranian activity is carried out by cells of the Hezbollah organisation scattered on the continent, along with arms smuggling in the triangle of borders in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, requiring constant monitoring and follow-up along with the construction of an ongoing political and organisational response.

Russia-Ukraine War

The ongoing war is accompanied by antisemitic statements towards the Jewish communities in both countries, alongside conspiracies regarding Israel’s involvement in the war on social networks characterised by claims that the Jews are plotting to take over the world and the Jewish connection behind the fighting. Also, a survey conducted among people who support the supremacy of the state regarding the biggest beneficiary of the war in Ukraine found that 78% of the respondents voted that the Jews are the biggest gainers following the war between the countries.

Poland

Since February, there has been a significant increase in the scope of Antisemitic expressions and conspiracy theories related to the invasion of Ukraine on social networks and the established media. These conspiracies included accusations against Jews as being responsible for the invasion of Russia in order to profit from it, harm Poland and take over Ukraine.

Australia

Australia, characterised as an inclusive and pluralistic country, has been active in the war against antisemitism in recent years, but despite this opposition, there has been an increase in these phenomena in the country. A study carried out this year on the subject indicates that over 60% of the Australian population does not see a problem in spreading false messages about the Holocaust, when in 2021 there was a 35% increase in Antisemitic cases in the country, which included 272 cases of vandalism and physical and verbal attacks and 175 threats directed at Jews through messages on phones, e-mail and more.

Latin America

The phenomenon of antisemitism varies between the different regions across the continent when many reports do not reach the Jewish communities. However, there has been a positive change in 2022 in light of positive legislation in the countries of the region, but in light of the economic situation and the rising inflation in certain regions, it can be seen that the economic issue is fertile ground for Antisemitism in the future.

The Chairman of the World Zionist Organization, Ya’akov Hagoel commented: “Antisemitism on social media is increasing at an alarming rate and unfortunately, as history has taught us, it will also lead to physical acts. We raise a clear black flag in view of the increase in incitement on the networks and call on the heads of state to raise the fight against Antisemitism to the top of the list of priorities.

Also on the government’s table is a proposal that I submitted to former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to recognise victims of antisemitism in the world as victims of hostilities. I will act as soon as possible to promote this proposal. We must remember them in the state ceremonies of  Israel and act so that they will be an integral part of the nation’s memory and the shared national unity.”

The head of the Department for Combatting Antisemitism of the World Zionist Organization, Mrs Raheli Baratz Rix added: “The constant increase in antisemitic trends in the last decade is a matter of concern, while the significant reduction in the number of incidents this year is not a sigh of relief either. antisemitism is everywhere, at any point in time and space, and we must not be silent and indifferent about this phenomenon. I call for a joint integration of efforts to deal with areas of awareness and information in order to provide a broad response to this disturbing trend.”