Rising Antisemitism Around the World Following the Hamas Massacre

Evelina Grezak
December 19, 2023

As we are all still reeling from the October 7th massacre by Hamas in southern Israel, we now also watch in horror as shocking displays of antisemitism spread around the world and endanger Jews everywhere.

In response to the devastating massacre of October 7, 2023, we’ve compiled a list of recommended organizations to donate to in order to directly help Israel and the war effort – learn more here.

Rising Antisemitism Around the World

Since the massacre in Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and the ensuing war, there has also been a wave of antisemitism, from harassment and vandalism to violence against Jews, all over the world.

Here are a few examples of antisemitic incidents since October 7, including statistics from the Anti-Defamation League:

Australia: Pro-Palestinian protesters were heard shouting "gas the Jews."

Austria: Reported antisemitic incidents in the country have gone up by 300% since October 7, such as vandalizing of synagogues.

Canada: Patrons at Jewish-owned businesses have been harassed, and a local rabbi's home was vandalized. Several people were arrested for threats against a Jewish school.

Germany: Holocaust memorial plaques have been painted over and defaced, a synagogue was firebombed with Molotov cocktails, and several Jewish homes have been tagged with Star of David graffiti. Swastikas and the phrase "Kill Jews" have been painted on remains of the Berlin Wall. Overall, antisemitic incidents in the country have gone up by 240% since the Hamas attack.

A Jewish home in Berlin, Germany, spray-painted with a Star of David (Photo: Twitter)

France: The door of a Jewish-owned apartment with a mezuzah was set on fire. Synagogues and private Jewish-owned property have been vandalized and defaced with graffiti. Over 300 arrests have been made in the country since October 7 in connection to antisemitism and hate crimes against Jews.

Italy: Protestors at an anti-Israel rally shouted “open the borders so we can kill the Jews."

Nicaragua: Graves in a Jewish cemetery were defaced and vandalized.

Tunisia: The historic el-Hamma synagogue was burned and heavily damaged during a riot.

Turkey: Businesses have started putting up "Jews not allowed" signs, and an op-ed in the Yeni Akit newspaper called for stripping Turkish Jews of their citizenship.

A bookstore in Istanbul, Turkey, with a sign stating "Jews not allowed" (Photo: Twitter)

United Kingdom: Over 600 antisemitic incidents have been reported since October 7, including anti-Jewish slogans at rallies, as well as vandalism and property damage at Jewish schools and businesses.

United States: Many public rallies and activist groups have been seen openly condoning terrorism and violence against Jews. Swastikas have been spotted at anti-Israel protests, and harassment and assault of Jewish citizens has been reported. The number of reported antisemitic incidents throughout the country has gone up by 388% since the Hamas attack.

In addition, there has been a rise in antisemitic posts on social media and the internet, often justifying violence against Jews or denying or downplaying the massacre by Hamas.

What You Can Do in Response

If you witness antisemitism online or in person, or see it in the news in your local community, here are some things you can do:

Report in-person incidents to the Anti-Defamation League and your local law enforcement.
Report antisemitic posts on social media to the platform, and block or unfollow antisemitic accounts.
Share news about antisemitic incidents to spread awareness.
Pressure your local government to address antisemitism and to work to keep its Jewish citizens safe.

Don't forget to check in on your friends and loved ones in these difficult times.

At the same time, let's take pride in the resiliency and longevity of the Jewish people - we have overcome and survived, and we shall overcome and survive again!