FRA Releases Survey on Discrimination and Hate Crimes against Jews in the EU

A recent survey by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), which pre-dates the Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023 and Israel’s military response in Gaza, highlights the persistence of antisemitism in the EU, affecting Jewish people both online and offline. Conducted from January to June 2023, the survey involved nearly 8,000 Jews across 13 EU countries. Key findings reveal a disturbing increase in antisemitism, with 80% of respondents perceiving a rise in antisemitism in their country over the past five years. A significant 90% of respondents encountered antisemitism online, while 56% experienced it from acquaintances and 51% through media.

Harassment remains a severe issue, with 37% of respondents reporting incidents that occurred in public spaces. Safety concerns are prevalent, as 53% worry about their own security and 60% about their family's. The report also highlights the impact of the Middle East conflict on Jewish communities, with 75% feeling blamed for Israeli government actions.

As a result of these experiences, 76% of Jewish people occasionally conceal their identity, and 34% avoid Jewish events due to safety concerns. Online, 24% refrain from sharing Jewish-related content, 23% limit participation in discussions, and 16% reduce platform use.

In response, the FRA recommends stronger measures to combat antisemitism, including better monitoring and funding of strategies to counteract antisemitism, enhancing the security of Jewish communities, addressing antisemitic content online, and improving the reporting and recording of antisemitic incidents. FRA Director Sirpa Rautio calls for immediate action to protect Jewish people and promote tolerance, emphasizing the need for laws and strategies to safeguard fundamental rights and freedoms in an increasingly polarized society.

For more information and to access the report, visit the website of the FRA.