The European Jewish Congress says the latest findings of a survey on anti-Semitism polling 16,000 Jews across 12 European Union member states should serve as a stark wake-up call for leaders of European nations across the continent.
The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) report ‘
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Experiences and Perceptions of Antisemitism – Second survey on discrimination and hate crime against Jews in the EU
‘ released Monday clearly pointed to rising levels of anti-Semitism in Europe.
Among the findings:
The report points to rising levels of antisemitism:
* 90 percent of respondents said anti-Semitism is growing in their country
* 90 percent of respondents said anti-Semitism is a particularly problematic online
* 70 percent of respondents cited public spaces, the media and politics as common sources of anti-Semitism
* Almost 30 percent of respondents said they had been harassed in the past year, with those being visibly Jewish most affected.
* Almost 80 percent do not report serious incidents to the police or any other body, often because they feel nothing will change.
* More than 33 percent avoid participating in Jewish events or visiting Jewish sites due to fears for their personal safety, and feelings of insecurity.
* More than 33 percent are considering leaving.
“This report demonstrates an increasingly intolerable level of pressure and abuse that Jews feel in Europe today,” said Dr. Moshe Kantor, president of the EJC.
“They feel that despite European leaders’ commitment to combating antisemitism the situation has not improved, in fact it has deteriorated over the last few years.
“This report should be seen by leaders in Europe as a final warning that words are not enough, and now is a time for action.”
The FRA report shows that anti-Semitism appears to be so deep-rooted in society that regular harassment has become part of normal everyday life.
“Many European Jews are extremely concerned for the future,” Dr. Kantor continued. “They have lost faith in the authorities, in their neighbors and in their national leaders and this has led not only to a crisis in their relations with them, but are wavering between two extreme actions, emigration and cutting themselves off from their Jewish community.
“In many cases, the Jews of Europe have to decide between a commitment to being part of the Jewish community and a commitment to being part of Europe. This is intolerable and a choice no people should have to face.”