More anti-Semitic violence worldwide

According to the latest annual report from Tel Aviv University, 20 Jews were killed in four attacks on three continents last year. This is the highest number of victims of anti-Semitic attacks in more than 30 years. At the same time, the number of attacks such as beatings or stone-throwing has increased in many countries.

Mixed development in anti-Semitic incidents worldwide

Overall, the report paints a complex picture: While some countries recorded slight decreases in the total number of antisemitic incidents, the level everywhere remained significantly higher than before 2022 - i.e. before the start of the current escalation in the Middle East. This began with the massacre by the Islamist terrorist organization Hamas on 7 October 2023. This was followed by the devastating Gaza War and armed conflicts between Israel and the USA with Iran and its allies in the region.

After the massive increase in anti-Semitic incidents immediately after October 7, 2023, a slight easing was initially observed, according to the data. However, this trend did not continue in 2025. Instead, serious violence in particular increased again.

Warning of "normalization" of antisemitic incidents

"The data gives rise to fears that a high level of anti-Semitic incidents is becoming the norm," warned the report's editor, Urija Schavit. One reason for the escalation could be that minor offenses are too often not consistently prosecuted - with the result that more serious crimes are on the rise.

The trend is particularly alarming in Australia and Canada, where new highs have been recorded, the report continued. According to the report, a total of 5,729 anti-Semitic incidents were registered in Germany in 2025 - a decrease compared to 6,560 cases in the previous year. However, the number was still significantly higher than in 2022, when 2,811 incidents were recorded.

Perpetrator profiles and ideological backgrounds

A study included in the report shows that many perpetrators act as lone offenders and do not belong to a fixed organization. They often come from two opposing ideological camps: right-wing extremist supporters of "white supremacy" and radical Muslims. A high proportion of socially marginalized perpetrators is also striking.

Criticism of the Israeli government

The authors of the report also clearly criticize the Israeli government. They claim that it has not made an effective contribution to combating anti-Semitism and has diluted the meaning of the term "anti-Semitism" through a political expansion. This ultimately harms the international fight against hatred of Jews.