Title: Global Surge in Antisemitic Incidents Alarms Jewish Communities
Subtitle: Increased climate of fear and hatred targeted at Jews linked to the recent conflict in Gaza
Date: October 31, 20XX
London – Antisemitic incidents have surged globally by several hundred percent following the attack on southern Israel by Hamas gunmen on October 7th and the subsequent war in the Gaza Strip. Jewish communities around the world are reporting a climate of fear and intimidation worse than any experienced since World War Two.
From Los Angeles to London, incidents of antisemitism have become more prevalent, with verbal abuse, online slurs, graffiti, and threats becoming more frequent. Physical assaults on Jews have also increased significantly. The use of derogatory language and tropes rooted in the long history of antisemitism is often justified by anger over the deaths of thousands of Palestinians during Israel’s bombardment of Gaza.
“This is the scariest time to be Jewish since World War Two. We have had problems before, but things have never been this bad in my lifetime,” said Anthony Adler, a member of London’s Jewish community, which has been forced to increase security measures at synagogues and Jewish schools.
Data from police and civil society groups in countries such as the United States, Britain, France, Germany, and South Africa reveal a clear pattern of increasing antisemitic incidents since October 7th compared to the same period last year. Islamophobic incidents have also increased in some of these countries.
The intensity of the recent conflict in Gaza and the trauma caused by the attack on southern Israel have exacerbated fears and tensions within Jewish communities. The belief that Israel is a haven for Jews has been shattered, making Jews vulnerable to acts of aggression worldwide.
The recent storming of an airport in Russia’s Dagestan region by a crowd seeking to harm Jews highlights the alarming rise in antisemitism. Rabbi Alexander Boroda, president of Russia’s Federation of Jewish Communities, asserts that anti-Israeli sentiment has transformed into open aggression against Russian Jews.
Even in countries where extremes like the Dagestan incident haven’t occurred, Jewish communities are feeling the strain. In Buenos Aires, Jewish schools have asked students not to wear their uniforms to avoid being easily identifiable, while activities outside of school premises have been postponed. At Cornell University in New York, the Center for Jewish Living has experienced online threats, prompting increased security measures.
Authorities have responded differently to the surge in antisemitism. While the United States and Western European countries have expressed strong support for Jewish communities, denouncing antisemitism and strengthening security measures, Israel has advised caution and vigilance to its citizens abroad. The Chinese government, on the other hand, has not taken any steps to combat a surge of antisemitic vitriol on social media.
As global antisemitism continues to rise, Jewish communities are left grappling with fear and tension, hoping for increased support from their respective governments to ensure their safety and freedom.
Reporting by: Estelle Shirbon
Editing by: Angus MacSwan