Almost 1000 anti-Semitic incidents documented
In the first month after Hamas' terrorist attack on Israel, reporting centers in Germany documented 994 anti-Semitic incidents nationwide. In mathematical terms, that is 29 cases per day, 320 percent more than the daily average in 2022, reported the Federal Association of Research and Information Centers on Anti-Semitism (Rias) in Berlin. The analysis covers the period from October 7 to November 9, 2023.
According to Rias, many Jews experienced anti-Semitic incidents in their everyday lives and felt unsafe. There were 59 reported incidents in residential areas alone. In Giessen, for example, two men forced their way into the home of an Israeli to remove an Israeli flag hanging out of the window.
"Alarming figures, but not surprising"
Anti-Semitism and anti-Israeli propaganda are also on the rise at universities. A total of 37 anti-Semitic incidents have been documented at universities. Jewish students had reported that fellow students had blamed them for Israel's behavior. Some had stopped going to university. At one university in Franconia, the picture of a person who was committed to combating anti-Semitism had been marked with hate slogans.
The figures are alarming, but not surprising, explained Hanna Veiler, President of the Jewish Student Union Germany. "Since October 7, young Jews have continuously reported how much the anti-Semitism they perceive in their everyday lives, especially in the university context, has increased."
The Rias reporting offices recorded 177 anti-Semitic gatherings nationwide. Disinformation contributed to the mobilization, such as unverified reports about an alleged attack by the Israeli army on the Al-Ahli hospital on 17 October, it said. According to the report, the number of anti-Semitic gatherings had doubled compared to the previous week.
"Hamas' propaganda successes have a greater influence on the growth and course of demonstrations in Germany than the actions of the Israeli military itself," said Rias Managing Director Benjamin Steinitz. The media have a responsibility to scrutinize images and casualty figures.
The surge in anti-Semitic incidents has been linked to the Gaza war, with many believing that Jews are responsible for Israel's actions. This hateful sentiment, fueled by extremist views, was evident in several university gatherings, where Israeli students were blamed and subjected to verbal abuse. The rise in anti-Semitic incidents and propaganda reflects the growing conflicts between Israel and certain groups, with Hamas' propaganda tactics having a significant impact on public sentiment in Germany.
Source: www.dpa.com
