Germany Witnessed 80% Surge in Antisemitic Incidents in 2023 Following Hamas Attacks on Israel

The aftermath of Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, led to an 80% increase in antisemitic incidents in Germany, with 4,782 incidents recorded, as reported by the Federal Association of Departments for Research and Information on Antisemitism. The surge, which included attacks on a synagogue in Berlin, highlights a concerning rise in antisemitism across various environments in the country.

In 2023, Germany experienced an 80% increase in antisemitic incidents, heavily influenced by the aftermath of Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7. According to the Federal Association of Departments for Research and Information on Antisemitism (RIAS), there were 4,782 antisemitic incidents recorded, compared to 2,616 in 2022. Of these incidents, 2,787 occurred after October 7, including an attack on a synagogue in Berlin.

The incidents ranged from extreme violence, including seven life-threatening cases, to 121 attacks, 329 property damage incidents, 183 threats, and 4,060 instances of offensive behavior. Director of RIAS, Benjamin Steinitz, noted that Jewish life in Germany has become less possible since the October attacks. The data revealed that antisemitism is pervasive across various environments, including public streets, educational institutions, and online platforms.

Additionally, Daniel Botmann of Germany’s Central Council of Jews mentioned that there hasn't been a notable emigration of Jews from Germany, unlike in France. This surge in antisemitic incidents positions Germany among the top countries in Europe for such occurrences. The increase outpaced those reported in France and the UK, where antisemitic incidents rose by 30% and 25%, respectively.