Anti-Semitism in Germany and elsewhere on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II

Published reports indicate a significant increase in anti-Semitism in most parts of the world on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The annual report, published by the Anti-Defamation League working group on Wednesday, May 7, shows that violent anti-Semitic attacks targeting large Jewish communities outside Israel in seven countries - Germany, France, Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia and Argentina - have increased significantly during the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The working group, which was formed in 2023, expressed concern about the escalation of attacks on Jewish communities, especially after the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed more than 1,200 civilians. The report states that attacks on Jewish schools, synagogues, businesses and Jewish individuals in these countries have increased significantly, doubling compared to 2023.

Marina Rosenberg, vice president of international affairs at the Anti-Defamation League, said: "Many Jews around the world hide their identity symbols due to persecution, and some have even changed their names on transportation apps to avoid appearing Jewish. Anti-Semitism is not limited to right-wing or left-wing extremists, but is seen across societies of different political spectrums, and countering it requires a comprehensive and social approach. In Germany, anti-Semitic violence has increased, both from the far right (especially the Alternative for Germany party) and from parts of the Muslim community and supporters of Palestine."

Rosenberg added, warning about this: "The threat of anti-Semitism is not just directed at Jews, but is a danger to the whole of society and democratic values. We have always said that anti-Semitism is an early sign of larger dangers in society; what starts with Jews does not end with them."

"When someone remains silent in the face of Jewish persecution, they should know that they are not only morally responsible, but may themselves be the next target. If free societies fail to protect minorities, they have called into question their democratic values."

Countries with the largest Jewish communities, while emphasizing that combating anti-Semitism must be done through education, warned that these attacks by extremist groups could target other minority groups next.