- Rise in Anti-Jewish Incidents in Thuringia
Thuringia's Research and Information Center on Antisemitism (Rias) has witnessed a substantial surge in antisemitic occurrences in the region. In 2023, a staggering 297 such incidents were recorded in the Free State, according to Susanne Zielinski, head of Rias in Thuringia. This marks the highest count in the eastern German states, excluding Berlin. In contrast, only 243 such incidents were reported in 2022.
The rise in antisemitic incidents related to Israel has been "staggering". A meager three such incidents were reported in 2022, but in 2023, this number skyrocketed to 103. This substantial increase is believed to be the outcome of the Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Rias identifies Israel-related antisemitism as the malicious characterization and denigration of Israel as a sovereign state, distinct from legitimate criticism of the Israeli government.
Trivialization of the Holocaust
The majority of antisemitic incidents in Thuringia continue to be classified as post-Holocaust antisemitism. In 2023, 142 incidents fell under this category, accounting for nearly half of all incidents. Rias defines post-Holocaust antisemitism as the distortion, downplaying, or glorification of the Holocaust, as well as attacks on the commemoration culture.
Of the total 297 incidents, 192 could not be tied to any specific political affiliation. 38 incidents were influenced by conspiracy theories, 33 were rooted in right-wing or right-wing populist ideologies, and 25 were instances of anti-Israel activism.
Hamas Attack Serving as a Trigger
SPD MP Denny Möler considered the Hamas attack on Israel as a catalyst for antisemitism. "It is crucial that we acknowledge that antisemitism is not solely present on the right, but exists across political spectrums, and it must be universally condemned and countered by all of us," he stated.
Green politician Madeleine Henfling expressed dismay at "how openly Israel-related antisemitism is now being expressed and declared". The protection of Jewish life and the fight against antisemitism are non-negotiable.
Left MP Katharina Köönig-Preuss insisted that "urgent action is necessary to confront every form of antisemitism at all levels and to take a firm stance against it".
The Rias reporting center gathers and archives data on antisemitic incidents, even those which fall below the threshold of criminality. The center is managed by the Amadeu Antonio Foundation and is funded by the State Chancellery.
The following statistics highlight a significant increase in Israel-related antisemitic incidents, with only 3 incidents reported in 2022 compared to 103 in 2023. This rise is often linked to the Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
In accordance with Rias's definition, many of the antisemitic incidents in Thuringia can be categorized as post-Holocaust antisemitism, where the Holocaust is distorted, downplayed, or glorified, or attacks on the commemoration culture are made.
