World Jewish Congress’ Post

#Europe's #Jewish community faces a "rising tide of antisemitism," and the conflict in the Middle East is eroding progress made fighting against it, according to a report released Thursday by the European Union's Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) on Jewish people's experiences and perceptions of antisemitism. Even before Hamas' October 7 attack on Israeli civilians and the ensuing war in Gaza, the report noted that 96% of European Jews reported experiencing antisemitic incidents. "Jews are more frightened than ever before," said FRA Director Sirpa Rautio, adding that a "spillover effect of the conflict in the Middle East was eroding hard-fought-for progress" against anti-Jewish prejudice. The survey of 8,000 Jewish people over the age of 16 used for Thursday's report predated the October 7 Hamas attack but included more recent information from 12 different Jewish organizations across the 27-member bloc. It found that Jewish people experienced more antisemitic incidents since October 2023, with some organizations reporting an increase of more than 400%. Physical attacks double According to the report, 76% of those polled hid their identity "at least occasionally," and 34% were reluctant to visit Jewish events or sites because it did not feel safe. About 4% of people surveyed said they had experienced physical attacks, double the number in the previous survey conducted in 2018. The report said 60% of those polled were not satisfied with their national government's response to rising antisemitism. The most affected country was France, where 74% of the Jewish community reported feeling that the current conflict affected their sense of security.  The study focused on 13 countries, which are home to about 96% of Europe's Jewish population: #Austria, #Belgium, the #Czech Republic, #Denmark, #France, #Germany, #Hungary, #Italy, the #Netherlands, #Poland, #Romania, Spain and #Sweden. https://lnkd.in/dPbHEpSq

I’ve had the immense honor of working on American Jewish Committee’s annual State of Antisemitism in America Report for the past three years. But this year, it feels different. Having felt the immense weight of antisemitism more over the last few months than ever before in my life, AJC’s data has never felt more important. There are statistics that shook me to my core like: 63% of American Jews say the status of Jews in the U.S. is less secure compared to one year ago. 78% of American Jews who heard about the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel say the attacks made them feel less safe as a Jewish person in the U.S. 46% of American Jews say they altered their behavior out of fear of antisemitism in 2023.   As I read through this year's data, I couldn’t help but read each statistic and think this applies to me. Yes, I do feel less secure compared to one year ago. Yes, I have changed my behavior out of fear of antisemitism. Yes, I do feel less safe in the U.S. because of Hamas’ October 7 terror attack in Israel. The antisemitism on full display in the U.S., and around the world, is terrifying. It’s also a wakeup call. Not just to Jews, but to all people. Antisemitism has been linked to a virus, it spreads, it infects, it kills. While anti-Jewish hate starts with the Jewish people, its affects us all. No one is safe while antisemitism thrives. So, there’s only one choice: ACT. We must do everything we can to fight antisemitism. A few ways you can do that: Call on Congress: Encourage Congress to act forcefully and proactively against antisemitism today. https://lnkd.in/edAyEM8V Educate: Help illuminate the way. Share AJC’s Report, and other resources like our Translate Hate glossary, so that people can identify and call out antisemitism. Converse: Never stop talking. I will never stop trying to build bridges, to work with people from all backgrounds. This is an open invitation to continue the dialogue. Let’s grab a coffee and think of how we can all do more to build a better world together. AJC’s State of Antisemitism in America 2023 Report is a labor of love that would not have been possible without the most incredibly talented group of dedicated professionals that I have the privilege of not just calling colleagues, but friends. Thank you to Holly Huffnagle, Alyssa Weiner Sandler, MPA, Jocelyn Flores, Jon Schweitzer, Belle Etra Yoeli, Gwynn Galitzer, Rikki Grosz, Nicole Mazur, MPA, Julie Lenarz, Jennifer Bell, Steve Gosset, Alex Freeman, Jonathan Goldman, Daniel Chinsky, Craig Byer, Alison Schalop, Sean Savage, Manya Brachear Pashman, and Atara Lakritz. A very special thank you to my supervisor, Marissa Mlotek Schonbrun. Thank you for your leadership and care. Working with you is the best. AJC’s State of Antisemitism in America 2023 Report is yours. Let’s get to work. https://lnkd.in/e4YQxpKt 

J7 Task Force Against Antisemitism warns of surge in antisemitism post October 7 Ahead of the 30th anniversary of the AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires, the J7 Task Force Against Antisemitism convened to address common challenges, develop coordinated strategies, and share best practices in response to the recent surge in antisemitism worldwide. The task force’s recent discussions focused on the alarming rise in antisemitism across all seven countries following Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel. This occurred against the backdrop of the upcoming anniversary of the AMIA bombing and the ongoing influence of the Islamic Republic of Iran on global terrorism and antisemitism. The J7 Task Force includes leaders from top Jewish advocacy organisations in Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the UK, and the USA. “The Jewish community is deeply concerned at the massive rise in antisemitism since October 7 which peaked even before Israel responded. We are a strong resilient community which will not allow antisemitism to define our identity as British Jews. We also recognise that non-Jewish allies are essential in helping us combat the waves of Jew hatred in the UK and globally. Our commitment to Israel is resolute as we work to promote its security, peace, societal fairness, and economic prosperity.” – Michael Wegier, Chief Executive, Board of Deputies of British Jews

Morally corrupt - AJA Statement on Labor's betrayal of the Jewish community The Australian Jewish Association (AJA) is appalled by reports that the Albanese Government is planning a massive reward for terrorism by potentially recognising a non-existent Palestinian Arab state in the aftermath of October 7. AJA CEO Robert Gregory said, “It is morally corrupt to react to the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust by rewarding the murderers who carried out the atrocity. We are extremely concerned that Labor is endangering the lives of Jewish people in Israel, Australia, and across the world. Islamic terrorists and other extremists around the world will rejoice and be further emboldened that terrorism brings rewards. This is an ugly betrayal of the Jewish community. Before the last federal election, the AJA warned about the dangers of a Labor victory. Since then, the government has confirmed our worst fears with a never-ending stream of hostile anti-Israel moves. Under Labor, Australian taxpayer funds are knowingly provided to causes that incite and contribute to terrorism. The Albanese Government has presided over a surge in antisemitism across Australia. Without hesitation, we can say that this government is the most anti-Israel in Australian history, and its actions are hostile to Jewish life and fuel antisemitism locally. A Prime Minister and a Foreign Minister who couldn’t even be bothered to visit the sites where Jews were murdered have zero credibility on this issue. They are behaving like extremists who never grew out of radical student politics. It is no surprise that talk of recognising a new Arab Palestinian State comes following news reports about Muslim voters abandoning the government. It appears that the Albanese Government will sell out Jewish lives for votes. This is a government which lacks morals. And who do they say would govern their proposed Palestinian state? The Albanese Government has proven itself to be weak on national security and terrorism. They are also out of step with our allies, like the USA, UK, Canada, and Europe. Pandering to Islamic terrorists will end up making all Australians less safe.”

If you read one thing today, let it be this brave and brilliant piece by Amanda Gelender for our Here4TheKids Substack.

Happy New Year, but we are not turning the page on global injustice. Shout out to South Africa, it's time we talk about the fact that the US is currently supporting a right-wing extremist apartied regime in Israel, that is conducting an ongoing genocidal ethnic cleansing campaign against the Palestinian people. I'm seeing headlines today that the US is only just now rebuking Israeli officials for recently calling for millions of Palestinians to permanently emigrate from their rightful homes and homelands. We know now that this program was long underway before the October 7th condemable attacks by Hamas. We were warned multiple times since 2021 by reputible sources such as The Atlantic, The New Yorker, New York Magazine, NPR and even The New York Times, of the the radicalization Israeli society and of its accelerating genocidal ethnic and religious cleansing campaign. If you have not heard of Itamar Ben-Givr or Betzalel Smotrich, and you are trying to educate yourself on these issues (which is not easy, as it is difficult to find clear-eye discussion of these topics from mainstream sources) include them in your research. These are the contemporary bastions of the inflamed genocidal ethno-nationalist furvor within Israeli society, which sadly is shared by many Jews around the world, including American Jews. They've been calling for the eradication of Palestine and it's people for years. Since October 7, in less than 3 months, Israeli military have indiscriminately killed at least 30,000 Palestinians (counting those presumed dead and buried under the rubble of bombarded buildings) half of which are children. There are millions internally displaced Palestinians at threat of death starvation and disease. This far exceeds the force and civilian casualties of the entire US-Afganistan War, and mind you Palestine only has a high-level militia force. Palestinians are not a militarized nation-state like Israel (or for that matter their neighboring countries) and are not allowed to have distiguishable military operations. It's also worth mentioning the non-military objectives also taking place to deliberateely attempt to erase Palestinian, Christian, Islamic and European culture and history by destroying countless ancient sites, including tens of mosques, churches and other historic and archelogical sites. It's not okay, it's not justifiable, it is not anti-semitic to question or oppose these government actions. I can't speak for anywhere else, if we are to be a free society we are just as much entitled to oppose violent military political actions, as we are to be in favor of them. And on that note, shout out once again to all of those who have found courage to speak out and raise awareness of this tragedy, especially the many Jewish people who are vehemently opposed to it. https://lnkd.in/gghMfRex

This is an important read.

The Jewish Community in Sweden: A History of Resilience Amidst Rising Antisemitism Sweden, with its vibrant Jewish community of about 15,000 people, stands as the largest Jewish hub in Scandinavia. Tracing their presence back to the 17th century, Swedish Jews have predominantly settled in major cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmo. This community saw a significant growth post-World War II, doubling in size between 1945 and 1970 due to an influx of Jewish refugees from Hungary and Poland. Representing approximately 1.43 Jews per 1,000 people in Sweden’s total population of around 10.4 million, the Jewish community here is the 21st largest globally and the 7th largest in the European Union. Despite enjoying stability for many years, recent times have seen an unsettling rise in antisemitism, attributed to far-right extremists, neo-Nazis, and influences from Islamist ideologies. This increasing threat, including the influence of anti-Semitic views from the Middle East, has been publicly acknowledged by the Swedish Prime Minister. In response, the Swedish government has actively engaged in combating antisemitism. Key measures include hosting Holocaust remembrance events and other initiatives aimed at raising awareness about antisemitism. A notable moment in 2023 was the Prime Minister’s participation in a “Kippa March,” symbolizing a strong public stance against antisemitism. This march signifies not only a stand against hatred but also a commitment to uphold the rich history and resilience of the Jewish community in Sweden.

Before October 7th, I believed Australia was one of the safest places for the Jewish communities. My focus was primarily on Europe and the U.S., but since October 7th, I’ve been shocked by the level of hatred emerging there. Some of the most extreme rhetoric and actions against Jewish communities have occurred in Australia, which is troubling given its history of supporting Israel and protecting its Jewish population. What’s even more troubling is that this issue extends beyond a vocal minority. Key figures in universities, institutions, and even the government are supporting anti-Israel campaigns. Let’s be clear: these campaigns are putting Jewish communities at risk. If there’s one common thread in how antisemitism is being handled, it’s that too many leaders have chosen to appease the haters instead of treating this issue as a serious crime and prioritizing the safety of Jewish communities. Even 345 days after October 7th, it’s baffling how too many leaders can believe that avoiding strong action will make this problem disappear. Don’t they realize that by allowing this to continue, it won’t go away but will only worsen—eventually threatening not just Jewish communities but their entire nations? https://lnkd.in/dZrGc55N

For starters, and perhaps most importantly, hatred of Jewish people and Judaism comes in many forms, making it hard to define and understand. It is a malleable form of hatred and scapegoating that unites jihadis with white supremacists, and the far-left with the far-right. Sometimes it is framed along ethnic or religious lines, other times it is conspiratorial in nature, and for the past several decades it has emerged most commonly as anti-Zionism. This ambiguity is in large part what makes addressing and combatting antisemitism so challenging – people don’t understand it. On one hand it seems like it’s everywhere, but for the more than 99 per cent of the world’s population who aren’t Jewish, it’s also nowhere at the same time. It’s a complex and insidious way of thinking that can’t be contained or neatly unpacked. As the late Nobel Prize winner and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel once remarked, antisemitism is an “irrational disease” that has eluded a “cure” for centuries. Still, just because antisemitism is an obscure and esoteric concept, doesn’t mean we can or should avoid taking action. In fact, paradoxically, it is the flexibility of antisemitism which makes it so dangerous – just look at the characters and events it has influenced.