What's happened
A new report reveals that while antisemitic incidents peaked in late 2023, they declined in 2024 in most countries. However, Australia and Italy saw significant increases. The report emphasizes the need for better enforcement of laws against antisemitism, as many incidents go unpunished.
What's behind the headline?
Key Findings
- Incident Trends: Antisemitic incidents peaked from October to December 2023 but declined in 2024, except in Australia and Italy.
- Australia's Surge: Australia recorded 1,713 incidents in 2024, a significant rise from 1,200 in 2023, including severe vandalism and arson.
- Italy's Increase: Italy saw 877 incidents in 2024, up from 454 in 2023, indicating a worrying trend.
- US and Canada: The US experienced a slight rise, with 9,354 incidents reported by the Anti-Defamation League, while Canada also saw record numbers.
Implications
- Enforcement Gaps: The report underscores a critical lack of enforcement, with less than 10% of antisemitic crimes leading to arrests in major cities.
- Need for Action: Experts argue that education and legislation without enforcement are ineffective, calling for more robust policing and prosecution to combat antisemitism effectively.
What the papers say
According to AP News, the report's chief editor Uriya Shavit stated, "the wave of antisemitism did not steadily intensify due to the war in Gaza," indicating a complex relationship between global events and antisemitic incidents. The Times of Israel highlighted that while antisemitism peaked after the Hamas onslaught, it remains deeply embedded, with Australia and Italy showing alarming increases. The Independent echoed these findings, emphasizing the need for better enforcement of laws against antisemitism, as many incidents go unreported and unpunished. The Anti-Defamation League's report adds to the discourse, revealing that Israel-related incidents constituted over half of reported antisemitic incidents in the US in 2024, further complicating the narrative around antisemitism and criticism of Israel.
How we got here
The report, released ahead of Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day, analyzes antisemitism trends globally, particularly following the war in Gaza. It highlights a complex landscape where incidents surged temporarily but have since decreased in many regions.
Go deeper
- What specific incidents were reported in Australia?
- How does this report compare to previous years?
- What actions are being taken to address antisemitism?
Common question
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What are the latest trends in antisemitism worldwide?
A recent report sheds light on the current state of antisemitism globally, revealing both troubling increases and hopeful declines in various regions. As communities grapple with this complex issue, understanding the trends and proposed measures is crucial for fostering dialogue and action.
More on these topics
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Tel Aviv University is a public research university in Tel Aviv, Israel. With over 30,000 students, it is the largest university in the country.
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The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), formerly known as the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, is a New York-based international non-governmental organization that was founded to combat antisemitism, as well as other forms of bigotry and discrimination..
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Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a sovereign country consisting of a peninsula delimited by the Alps and surrounded by several islands. Italy is located in south-central Europe, and is considered part of western Europe.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.