Germany Sees a Sharp Increase in Antisemitic Incidents, Report Shows
The number of antisemitic incidents in Germany has significantly increased, with a total of 8,627 reported in 2024, according to the annual report of the Federation of Research and Information Centers on Antisemitism (RIAS), presented in Berlin on Wednesday. This represents a 77% increase compared to the previous year, with an average of 24 incidents per day.
The report highlights that the majority of the incidents, 68%, were linked to the October 7, 2023, events and the ongoing war in Gaza, with many targeting Israel and the conflict. Notably, the increase in antisemitism was seen in political disputes, such as through demonstrations, graffiti and stickers, with a total of 1,802 gatherings documented where antisemitism was spread, the federation reported.
The report also shows a significant rise in antisemitic incidents at educational institutions, with a threefold increase in incidents at universities, from 151 to 450 and a notable increase in incidents at schools, with 284 cases of exclusion, insults and blame for the war in Gaza and in at least 19 cases, physical attacks.
In response to the alarming figures, Federal Education Minister Karin Prien called for a better understanding of Jewish life as part of German culture. “Antisemitism is not a marginal phenomenon, but a real threat to Jewish life in Germany” she said, adding that the fight against antisemitism is not a matter of personal concern, but a question of state and societal responsibility. The federal government, through the Ministry of the Interior, significantly finances the research and information work of RIAS, Prien emphasized, saying, “Only what is visible can also be combated.