Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza triggered by Hamas' attack on Israel, both France and Belgium have seen a significant increase in antisemitic acts, according to recent data released in both countries. The figures indicate a troubling rise in incidents targeting the Jewish community.
In France, reports from the Interior Ministry and the Jewish Community Protection Service watchdog reveal a staggering increase in antisemitic acts. In 2023, a total of 1,676 incidents were reported, compared to 436 the previous year. The Council of Jewish Institutions in France confirms that within the three months following the October 7 attack, the number of antisemitic acts equaled the combined total for the previous three years. These acts encompassed a range of offenses, including physical violence, threatening words and gestures, and an alarming increase in incidents within schools.
Neighboring Belgium has also witnessed a concerning surge in antisemitic incidents. An independent public body fighting discrimination, Unia, reported receiving 91 reports related to the Israel-Hamas conflict between October 7 and December 7 last year, compared to 57 reports for the entirety of 2022. The majority of these reports involved remarks or acts considered antisemitic, with 66 cases specifically referencing the Jewish origin of the targeted individuals. Hate messages, primarily online but also in public areas, constituted a significant portion of the reported incidents. Unia is currently working with the public prosecutor's office and Belgian police in addressing nine cases of assault and damage.
The report from Unia highlights disturbing instances such as beatings, graffiti, and the desecration of numerous graves in the Jewish section of a cemetery near the city of Charleroi. The rise in antisemitic incidents is evident, with the organization stating, 'We can therefore speak of a clear increase in reports of antisemitism since October 7, 2023.' Unia also received eight reports of discrimination or hate speech related to Palestinian origin, Arab origin, or the Muslim belief of the targeted individuals during the same period.
This surge in antisemitic acts is not limited to France and Belgium alone. Many European countries have observed a rise in reported incidents and comments targeting the Jewish community since the conflict in Gaza began. Belgium, with a Jewish population of approximately 29,000, has a notable Jewish presence, particularly in Antwerp where a large ultra-Orthodox population resides, making it the largest Hasidic community in Europe. In France, which is home to Europe's largest Jewish and Muslim communities, the Council of Jewish Institutions noted that 57.8% of antisemitic acts in 2023 were directed towards individuals and involved physical violence or threatening words and gestures.
The increasing trend of antisemitic acts among younger individuals is also of great concern. The Council of Jewish Institutions in France highlights that 'the perpetrators of antisemitic acts are getting younger' and that 'the school is no longer a sanctuary.' These alarming developments emphasize the urgent need to address and combat antisemitism at its roots.
The conflict in Gaza has had far-reaching consequences, not only in terms of the loss of lives and immense suffering but also in triggering a worrying surge in antisemitic incidents across Europe. As these acts of hatred continue to rise, it is crucial for authorities, organizations, and communities to come together to promote tolerance, understanding, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their religious or ethnic background. Only through collective efforts can we hope to create a society that fosters inclusivity and upholds the principles of equality and human dignity for everyone.
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