The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has issued its inaugural J7 Annual Report on Anti-Semitism as the world approaches the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. This report outlines the increasing anti-Semitism noted in countries housing the largest Jewish populations outside of Israel, namely the US, UK, Argentina, Canada, France, Germany, and Australia.
Established in July 2023, the J7 Task Force formed just before Hamas launched a violent attack on Israel. In the aftermath of that tragedy, the ADL has focused on the escalating incidents and sentiments of anti-Semitism globally.
The report reveals that anti-Semitic incidents have reached record highs for the fourth successive year. From 2021 to 2023, incidents increased dramatically in various countries—Australia by 11%, Argentina by 23%, the UK by 82%, Canada by 83%, France by 185%, and the US by an astounding 227%. The report emphasizes troubling trends in each J7 nation, revealing that in Germany, for instance, there were more than 38 incidents of anti-Semitism for every 1,000 Jewish residents in 2023.
In its analysis, the J7 Task Force identified common themes across all the countries, including a rise in violent attacks, a surge in anti-Semitic discourse online, and growing anxieties within Jewish communities.
Argentina
In Argentina, the Delegación de Asociaciones Israelitas Argentinas (DAIA) found that anti-Semitism is woven into social media and educational institutions. Spanish-speaking Jewish students reportedly choose schools based on their perceived safety from anti-Semitism from peers and faculty. Alarmingly, Argentina experienced a 44% increase in anti-Semitism in 2023 compared to the previous year, following the Hamas attacks on October 7.
DAIA also noted that support from President Javier Milei for Argentina’s ties with Israel and the US has fueled an uptick in anti-Semitic sentiments. Yet, there’s a silver lining: 60% of Argentinians aged 25-34 view Israel positively, and only 7% advocate for boycotting Israeli products—a perhaps notable counterpoint to the violence and hatred experienced.
Australia
The Executive Council of the Australian Jews (ECAJ) reported a staggering 316% increase in anti-Semitic cases between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, with 2,062 incidents recorded, up from 495 the previous year. This is a drastic change from the last decade, where yearly incidents typically numbered between 190 and 495. Alarmingly, 64% of Australian Jews now see anti-Semitism as a significant domestic issue—a jump from ten times the response in 2017. Recent bans on hate symbols, however, do not adequately address the root causes of the increased anti-Semitism since October 7, according to the ECAJ.
Canada
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) identified a rise in violent anti-Semitic actions in Canada, exacerbated by perceived double standards from the government regarding Israel. Although 2024 data is not yet available, 2023 statistics revealed that Jews, who represent just 1% of the population, accounted for 19% of reported hate crimes, experiencing a 71% rise in such incidents. Notably, 98% of Canadian Jews view anti-Semitism as a severe issue, with many feeling less safe since the onset of the recent conflict.
France
The Conseil Représentatif des Institutions Juives de France (CRIF) underscored a stark correlation between anti-Semitic actions and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Over 30% of anti-Semitic incidents in 2024 included references to “Palestine,” and the number of incidents in schools dramatically rose, leading to fears among Jewish schoolchildren regarding their safety and visibility.
Germany
The Zentralrat der Juden in Deutschland (ZJD) remarked that the events following October 7 have significantly intensified concerns about anti-Semitism. Incidents attributed to this hatred surged, with thousands of recorded anti-Semitic crimes in the preceding year. Surveys have shown alarming gaps in Holocaust awareness among younger Germans, highlighting ongoing societal issues impacting Jewish communities in the country.
UK
In the UK, the Jewish Committee reported a slight decline in anti-Semitic incidents, yet challenges remain pervasive, with one in four British Jews feeling unsafe in their country. Despite a noted decrease in overall reported cases, the frequency of violent protests and anti-Israel sentiment points to a continuing struggle against normalized anti-Semitism.
US
The ADL and major American Jewish organizations found a concerning increase in anti-Semitism in the United States, with recorded incidents rising to 9,354 in 2024—up 5% from the previous year. This marked an astounding 926% increase since the ADL began tracking such incidents in 1979. The report’s conclusions underscore a troubling trajectory, indicating that anti-Semitic sentiments and behaviors show little sign of abating in the near future.
