The number of anti-Semitic incidents around the world decreased in 2022 for the first time in a decade, but there is an increase in cases in the United States, revealed the annual report on anti-Semitism released today by the World Zionist Organization (WSO).
The document was released today to mark the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust.
“The report shows that the increase in the number of anti-Semitic incidents has slowed [in 2022] after an increase in the last decade, but the situation remains alarming. More than 10 anti-Semitic incidents are reported around the world every day, while many more go unreported,” said the report, prepared by the WSO Anti-Semitism Department.
Antisemitic events in 2022 were carried out through advertising (39%), vandalism (28%), physical violence (14%), verbal violence (11%) and discredit (7%).
According to the report, the United States has registered “an alarming increase in cases of anti-Semitism, manifesting itself in disturbing trends, given the strengthening of white supremacist organizations, along with the increase in anti-Semitic statements from the American progressive left”, indicates the report.
During the year 2022, according to the document, there were more than 350 anti-Semitic incidents at American universities and many of the Jewish students felt the need to hide their identity or their support for Israel. In addition, approximately 165 demonstrations and actions were held at universities and institutes.
On the other hand, the war between Russia and Ukraine “is accompanied by anti-Semitic statements directed at the Jewish communities of both countries, along with conspiracies on social networks about Israel’s participation in the war”, a phenomenon that extends to neighboring Poland, is mentioned in the report.
“Anti-Semitism on social media is increasing at an alarming rate and unfortunately, as history has taught us, it will also lead to physical acts. We call on heads of state to put the fight against anti-Semitism at the forefront of their priority list,” said WSO President Ya’akov Hagoel.
January 27 is the International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Holocaust – which resulted in the death of around six million Jews at the hands of the German Nazi regime – and commemorates the liberation in 1945 of the Nazi concentration and extermination camp of Auschwitz- Birkenau.
The WSO study is based on local and international reports from investigative agencies, local police, Jewish communities, and others.
On the other hand, the Center for the Study of Contemporary European Judaism at Tel Aviv University released its annual report on initiatives by Governments and citizens around the world to preserve Jewish heritage, teach about the Holocaust and combat anti-Semitism.
According to their findings, recognition of the Holocaust and teaching of the lessons resulting from it have recently expanded, even in countries where education about the Holocaust was rare, such as in Africa and the Arab world.
Countless educational, social and legal initiatives have been launched in Western Europe, the Americas and Australia to combat Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism, it reads.
