Rising Antisemitism Fears Across Europe
Jewish communities report growing hostility and declining safety following recent geopolitical conflicts.
1Commemorating Historical Trauma
The European Jewish Association organized a delegation to Auschwitz and Krakow on November 9 and 10. This timing coincides with the anniversary of the 1938 November Pogroms, a pivotal moment in Holocaust history. Participants aimed to honor the past while addressing contemporary fears regarding the erosion of collective memory across Europe.
2Survivor Perspectives on Memory
Holocaust survivor Regina Sluszny, 87, visited the former concentration camp to emphasize the urgency of remembrance. Having survived by hiding as a toddler in 1942, she now dedicates her time to educating schoolchildren. She warns that the promise of 'Never Again' risks becoming a hollow phrase if history is forgotten.
3Quantifying the Rising Hostility
Antisemitic incidents have surged significantly across major European nations since October 7, 2023. Germany recorded 6,548 antisemitic crimes in 2025, a sharp increase from 2,641 in 2022. Similarly, France reported 1,320 incidents in 2025, reflecting a threefold rise compared to 2022 figures, highlighting a widespread trend of growing intolerance and harassment.
4Impact on Daily Life
Jewish communities are increasingly forced to live behind high security walls, restricting their daily freedom. Ellen van Praagh, chair of the Interprovincial Rabbinate in the Netherlands, reports feeling unsafe in her home country. She notes that Jewish citizens are frequently held responsible for the actions of the Israeli government abroad.
5Political Leadership Challenges
Rabbi Menachem Margolin, chairman of the European Jewish Association, urges political leaders to take more decisive action. While expressing gratitude for existing support, he argues that protective laws remain largely ineffective in practice. He cautions that officials often hesitate to label antisemitism clearly when doing so becomes politically inconvenient for them.
6International Diplomatic Involvement
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last shah, attended the symposium as a guest of honor. The European Jewish Association recognized his efforts in combating antisemitism and promoting democratic values. Pahlavi called upon global democratic nations to unite against ideological extremism and oppression, emphasizing historical ties between Persian and Jewish peoples.
7The Context of Conflict
The current climate of fear is deeply linked to the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel. That event resulted in 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages. Subsequent military operations in Gaza have led to over 75,000 Palestinian deaths, further polarizing public sentiment and increasing tensions within European societies.
8Warning Signs for Future
The symposium participants emphasize that the Holocaust did not begin with gas chambers, but with words. As the number of living survivors dwindles, the responsibility to maintain vigilance against hatred falls on new generations. Without active enforcement of protective measures, the safety of Jewish life in Europe remains increasingly precarious.
Original article: DW – Top Stories — Rising Antisemitism Fears Across Europe