Global Rise in Antisemitism: ADL’s First Annual Report Highlights Alarming Trends

Global Rise in Antisemitism: ADL’s First Annual Report Highlights Alarming Trends

The Anti-Defamation League has unveiled its inaugural J7 Annual Report on Antisemitism, coinciding with the worldwide observance of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. This groundbreaking report exposes troubling increases in antisemitism across nations with significant Jewish populations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Canada, France, Germany, and Australia.

Formation of the J7 Task Force

The J7 Task Force was established in July 2023, only months ahead of the catastrophic attacks by Hamas on Israel. In the aftermath of these attacks, the Anti-Defamation League documented a marked rise in antisemitic incidents and expressions globally, revealing a pervasive atmosphere of intolerance.

Significant Increases Across Countries

The data highlights disturbing trends in antisemitic incidents across various nations. Between 2021 and 2023, Australia experienced an 11% rise, Argentina a 23% increase, Germany a staggering 75% jump, the UK 82%, Canada 83%, France 185%, and the US an alarming 227% increase in antisemitic incidents, according to the ADL’s findings. Notably, Germany faced more than 38 antisemitic incidents per 1,000 Jewish inhabitants in 2023. Australia’s incidents per Jewish capita also quadrupled from 2023 to 2024, showcasing a pressing crisis.

Common Themes Revealed

The report identified shared themes across all J7 countries, including rising violent attacks, escalating antisemitic rhetoric online, and deepening fears among Jewish communities. Jewish communities have been documenting these troubling trends and experiences throughout the report.

Argentina’s Struggles

The Delegación de Asociaciones Israelitas Argentinas reported that antisemitism has taken root in social media and academic institutions. Jewish students in Argentina now make schooling choices based on the perceived safety from antisemitic incidents from peers and educators. The organization emphasizes a need for concerted efforts to address antisemitism within academic circles.

In 2023 alone, Argentina recorded a 44% increase in antisemitic incidents compared to the previous year. The rise follows Hamas’s attacks on Israel on October 7. Additionally, the backing of Israel by Argentinian President Javier Milei has fueled antisemitic and conspiratorial rhetoric.

Bright Spots Amidst Challenges

Despite these increasing challenges, DAIA noted some positive developments. An encouraging 60% of Argentinians, particularly those aged 25 to 34, hold a favorable view of Israel, with only 7% supporting a boycott of Israeli products. This perspective may stem from Argentina’s own history with terrorism, inclusive of Hezbollah’s attacks on Jewish sites in Buenos Aires.

Australia’s Alarming Statistics

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry reported an alarming 316% surge in antisemitic incidents. Their study for the period from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, uncovered a dramatic increase to 2,062 incidents from 495 the preceding year. Historically, yearly antisemitic incidents have fluctuated between 190 and 495.

Research conducted by Dr. Adina Bankier-Karp and Dr. David Graham, titled “Australian Jews in the Shadow of War,” revealed that 64% of Australian Jews perceive antisemitism as a critical issue, a response 10 times higher than in 2017.

In light of this rising tide, the Australian government enacted laws banning hate symbols, including swastikas. However, the ECAJ cautioned that these measures may not adequately address the sources of antisemitism that emerged post-October 7, which account for most incidents.

Canada’s Ongoing Challenges

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs highlighted critical issues in Canada, including heightened threats of violence and a perceived double standard against Israel from the government. Although data for 2024 is unavailable, the 2023 statistics showcased alarming trends. Despite Jews constituting only 1% of the population, they were victimized in 19% of reported hate crimes, with such incidents increasing by 71% from the prior year.

CIJA criticized the Canadian government for its inaction on rising antisemitism and urged immediate legal reforms to tackle this epidemic. Almost all Canadian Jews, around 98%, acknowledged antisemitism as a significant concern, with 82% believing the situation has worsened since the Hamas attack in October.

France’s Disturbing Trends

Conseil Représentatif des Institutions Juives de France noted a distinct correlation between antisemitic incidents and the Israel-Hamas conflict. Over 30% of antisemitic incidents recorded in 2024 referenced Palestine. French schools saw incidents increase dramatically, with the total reaching 1,670 in the 2023-2024 academic year, compared to just 400 the prior year.

Moreover, incidents in France have escalated in violence, with shocking acts of aggression, including attacks on individuals and religious sites. The French government’s commitment to combating antisemitism and racism includes an adopted national plan set to last until 2026.

Germany’s Rising Alarm

The Zentralrat der Juden in Deutschland has raised concerns about escalating antisemitism, emphasizing that events of October 7 have accelerated a troubling trend. While antisemitism spans the political spectrum in Germany, the rise of the Alternative für Deutschland poses particular challenges, as they advocate policies detrimental to the Jewish community.

From January to October 2024, German authorities recorded 3,200 antisemitic crimes. A separate investigation noted 3,000 antisemitic incidents between October 7, 2023, and the year’s end.

Antisemitism in the United Kingdom

The Board of Deputies of British Jews reported mixed findings. Antisemitism has slightly decreased since late 2023; however, it still exceeds levels before October 7. A survey indicated that 25% of British Jews feel unsafe, reflecting ongoing challenges.

In the U.K., the Community Security Trust documented 3,528 antisemitic incidents in 2024, marking an 18% reduction from 2023’s total of 4,296. Despite governmental efforts to tackle antisemitism, the report calls for enhanced law enforcement measures and stricter regulations on online hate speech to effectively combat these issues.

Addressing Antisemitism in the United States

The ADL, in collaboration with the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, reported an alarming 5% increase in antisemitic incidents across the United States in 2024. The total incidents reached 9,354, marking a staggering 926% increase since 1979.

ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt affirmed that antisemitism represents an illogical hatred directed at Jewish individuals and institutions. The report emphasizes a critical need to predict and address the unfolding situation amidst a divided political landscape.

Reflecting on Rising Antisemitism

This first-ever global report from the Anti-Defamation League serves as a wake-up call for addressing the concerning trends of antisemitism worldwide. As communities unite to combat discrimination and prejudice, concerted action and awareness will be crucial in curbing the spread of hatred.