Sharp rise in anti-Semitic incidents in Berlin
The number of anti-Semitic incidents in Berlin has risen sharply following the terrorist attack on Israel by Islamist Hamas. Between the day of the massacre on October 7 and the anniversary of the Nazi pogrom night on November 9 alone, the Research and Information Center on Anti-Semitism Berlin (Rias) recorded 282 such acts. On average, that is a good eight incidents per day. By comparison, an average of two to three incidents per day were recorded in 2022 as a whole.
In the almost five-week period in question, the Anti-Semitism Office reportedly recorded one incident of extreme violence, twelve anti-Semitic attacks and 23 targeted acts of damage to property. In addition, there were ten threats, 235 cases of offensive behavior, including 23 gatherings, as well as one "mass mailing" - an email with anti-Semitic content sent to many recipients. The figures should be regarded as provisional, as numerous other incidents have already been reported but have not yet been verified.
"Rias Berlin has received more reports and documented more anti-Semitic incidents in Berlin since October 7 than in any other period since the documentation began in 2015," explained project officer Ruth Hatlapa.
She lamented the lack of solidarity with those affected. These people reported anti-Semitic hostility in supermarkets, on the subway or in their homes, for example, where bystanders had not provided any support. "Berliners are called upon not to leave those affected by anti-Semitism alone, especially in everyday situations," demanded Hatlapa.
Rias is a nationwide network of reporting centers where victims and witnesses of anti-Semitic incidents can report. The documentation center is funded by the Federal Commissioner against Anti-Semitism, Felix Klein.
The escalating conflicts between different religious groups, fueled by extremist ideologies, have contributed to the rise in anti-Semitic incidents in Berlin. Criminal activities, such as the vandalism of Jewish properties and threats, have become increasingly common in the city.
Source: www.dpa.com
