A recent report from a group monitoring antisemitism in Germany revealed a significant surge in incidents last year, with an increase of over 80% compared to the previous year. The group documented a total of 4,782 antisemitic incidents in 2023, ranging from anti-Jewish comments to physical attacks, in contrast to 2,616 incidents in 2022.
Notably, more than half of the incidents recorded in 2023 occurred after the Hamas-led militants' attack on Israel in early October. The group reported 2,787 incidents following the October 7 attack, which led to an escalation of tensions and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Among these incidents was an alarming attack on a synagogue in Berlin in mid-October.
The report highlighted various forms of antisemitic behavior, including seven cases classified as 'extreme violence,' 121 physical attacks, 329 instances of targeted property damage, 183 threats, and 4,060 cases of offensive behavior.
The director of the monitoring group expressed concern over the impact of these incidents on the Jewish community in Germany, stating that 'an open and carefree Jewish life has become even less possible in Germany since Oct. 7.'
Of the incidents documented, 1,583 occurred in public spaces, more than double the previous year's figure, while 999 were reported on the internet, an increase from 853 in 2022. Additionally, there were 471 incidents at educational institutions and 311 on public transport, both more than double the previous year's numbers.
Despite the rise in antisemitic incidents, a senior official from Germany's Central Council of Jews noted that there has not been a significant emigration of Jews from the country, unlike the trend observed in neighboring France in recent years.
