The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has published its inaugural J7 Annual Report on Anti-Semitism, coinciding with the upcoming 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
This report highlights an alarming increase in anti-Semitic incidents across countries housing significant Jewish populations outside of Israel, such as the US, UK, Argentina, Canada, France, Germany, and Australia.
The J7 Task Force was formed in July 2023, mere months before a deadly attack on Israel by Hamas. Since that tragic event, the ADL has been closely monitoring the rise in both anti-Semitic incidents and general sentiments worldwide.
Anti-Semitism incidents set new records for the fourth consecutive year, according to the ADL.
The ADL’s findings from 2021 to 2023 reveal significant increases in anti-Semitism: Australia saw an 11% rise, Argentina 23%, the UK 82%, Canada 83%, France 185%, and the US 227%. They stressed “troubling” patterns, noting more than 38 incidents per 1,000 Jewish residents in Germany in 2023.
The J7 Task Force report outlines common themes across these nations, including a surge in violent attacks, increased online anti-Semitic rhetoric, and heightened anxiety among Jewish populations.
Argentina
The Delegación de Asociaciones Israelitas Argentinas (DAIA) reports that anti-Semitism is deeply rooted in social media and academic environments. Remarkably, some Argentine Jewish students are choosing schools based on their experiences with anti-Semitism from peers and professors. The DAIA recommends more proactive engagement in academic institutions.
In 2023, anti-Semitism in Argentina jumped by 44% compared to the previous year, particularly following Hamas’s attack on October 7. There’s a noted correlation between President Javier Milei’s staunch support for Israel and rising anti-Semitic sentiments.
Yet, there are positive trends: 60% of Argentinians, especially younger individuals, hold favorable views about Israel, with only 7% supporting boycotts of Israeli products. This may stem from Argentina’s own painful history with terrorism, marked by deadly attacks attributed to Hezbollah in 1992 and 1994.
Australia
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) recorded a staggering 316% increase in anti-Semitic incidents from October 2022 to September 2023, reporting 2,062 cases compared to just 495 the year prior. This is unprecedented, breaking previous decade records which ranged between 190 and 495 annually.
A recent study indicating that 64% of Australian Jews view anti-Semitism as a major domestic issue, illustrates a worrying shift in perceptions compared to 2017. In response, Australian authorities are banning hate symbols, but the ECAJ feels this isn’t enough given the rising trends since October 7.
Canada
The report from the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) highlights growing risks of violence and government actions perceived as biased against Israel. Even though 2024 statistics are still pending, a 71% spike in anti-Semitic hate crimes from 2022 to 2023 is evident, despite Jews comprising only 1% of the Canadian population, yet accounting for 19% of reported hate crimes.
CIJA has called for government action against anti-Semitism, stressing that nearly all Canadian Jews perceive it as a serious issue, especially in the wake of the recent violence.
France
The Conseil Représentatif des Institutions Juives de France (CRIF) has noted a significant correlation between anti-Semitic incidents and the ongoing conflict with Hamas, with more than 30% of 2024 incidents mentioning “Palestine.” France experienced a dramatic rise in incidents within schools, escalating from 400 cases to 1,670 in a single academic year.
These cases have reportedly become more violent, with shocking incidents like the assault of young Jewish children linked to discussions about Palestine. The French government has initiated a national plan to counter discrimination and anti-Semitism, set to run through 2026.
Germany
The Zentralrat der Juden in Deutschland (ZJD) warns that the events of October 7 have exacerbated the existing trends of anti-Semitism. They’re particularly concerned about the rise of right-wing parties like the AFD, which pose challenges for Jewish communities. In 2024 alone, there were approximately 3,200 recorded anti-Semitic offenses, showcasing a grim uptick.
A study revealed a concerning lack of Holocaust awareness among younger Germans, emphasizing the need for educational reforms. The ZJD reflects on how social debates currently impact the perception and safety of Jewish residents.
UK
The Community Security Trust reported a decline in anti-Semitic incidents compared to late 2023 but emphasized that challenges persist. Even so, 25% of British Jews express feelings of insecurity. Anti-Semitic incidents numbered 3,528 in 2024, compared to 4,296 in 2023, but public protests and negative sentiments remain prevalent.
The organization highlights the necessity for enhanced enforcement, stricter regulations on hate speech, and comprehensive educational reforms to combat anti-Semitism effectively.
US
The ADL, collaborating with leading Jewish organizations, released a report detailing a concerning rise in anti-Semitic incidents across the United States. In 2024, 9,354 cases were reported, a 5% increase from 2023, marking a staggering 926% rise since tracking began in 1979.
The increasing trends indicate a troubling landscape, with experts uncertain about future developments in anti-Semitic attitudes.
