Anti-Semitic Incidents Up Worldwide during Israel’s War with Gaza

Feb. 12, 2009

The number and severity of anti-Semitic acts skyrocketed during Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza this year. The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Annual Report on Anti-Semitism said 250 incidents were reported in December to January compared with 80 during the same period in the previous year.

While many European governments uncharacteristically sided with Israel this time, most of the recent attacks took place in Western Europe and were perpetrated by local Moslems, the report said. There were approximately 100 incidents in both France and in Great Britain, including violent assault on Jews and Israelis.

“We shall continue our endeavors to curb this unpleasant phenomenon by addressing our observations and proposals to leaders of the world and demanding that they implement effective measures to counter anti-Semitism, as well as promoting our own educational programs through our emissaries worldwide,” said Hagai Meirom, Jewish Agency Treasurer.

Isaac Herzog, Israel Minister for Welfare and Social Services, expressed his concern at the rise in extremist Moslem groups.

“We are witnessing the growth of Islamic and extreme left-wing groups who are taking center stage in the arena of anti-Semitism in general, and anti-Semitic acts against Jews, in particular,” he said.

The overall number of anti-Semitic incidents fell by 15 to 20 percent in 2008 compared to 2007.