The RIAS group reported a significant increase in antisemitic incidents in Germany in 2023, with 4,782 instances compared to 2,616 in the previous year. More than half of these incidents occurred after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on 7 October. The incidents ranged from anti-Jewish comments to physical attacks, with seven cases classified as “extreme violence” that could endanger lives or result in severe injury. The incidents included targeted damage to property, threats, and offensive behavior. The number of incidents in public spaces, educational institutions, and on public transport more than doubled compared to the previous year.
Dr Felix Klein, the Federal Government Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight against Anti-Semitism, called for stricter measures to combat antisemitism. He emphasized the need for amendments to the Criminal Code to address anti-Jewish incitement and violence, such as making the call for the destruction of other states a criminal offense. Despite the alarming increase in antisemitic behavior, a senior official from Germany’s Central Council of Jews, Daniel Botmann, noted that there has not been a significant emigration of Jews from Germany in response to the rise in incidents. This contrasts with the situation in neighboring France, where movements of Jews have been observed in recent years.
The spike in antisemitic incidents came in the wake of Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October, contributing to the increase in hate crimes against Jews in Germany. The incidents recorded by RIAS included attacks on a synagogue in Berlin, demonstrating the severity and violence of some of these actions. The distribution of incidents across different locations, such as public spaces, educational institutions, and public transport, highlighted the widespread nature of antisemitic behavior in Germany. The prevalence of incidents on the internet also increased, indicating that online platforms are becoming a common space for the dissemination of hate speech.
The rise in antisemitic incidents in Germany has raised concerns among officials and community leaders, prompting calls for stronger action against hate crimes targeting Jews. Dr Felix Klein’s proposal to amend the Criminal Code to address anti-Jewish incitement and violence reflects the urgency of the situation. Despite the troubling increase in antisemitic behavior, Daniel Botmann’s observation that there has not been a significant exodus of Jews from Germany suggests that the Jewish community remains resilient in the face of these challenges. It highlights the importance of addressing antisemitism through a combination of legal measures, community support, and public awareness campaigns to ensure the safety and well-being of Jewish people in Germany.
The data provided by RIAS offers a comprehensive overview of the extent and nature of antisemitic incidents in Germany, shedding light on the various forms of hate crimes targeting Jews. The rise in incidents in public spaces, educational institutions, and on the internet underscores the need for targeted interventions to address antisemitism across different settings. The call for amendments to the Criminal Code to criminalize anti-Jewish incitement and violence reflects a commitment to combating hate crimes and ensuring the protection of the Jewish community in Germany. The resilience and solidarity of the Jewish community in the face of rising antisemitism demonstrate the importance of fostering a culture of tolerance and inclusion to counter hate and discrimination in society.
