The number of antisemitic incidents in Germany continues to remain at a high level. According to the annual report presented in Berlin on Wednesday, the Federal Association for Research and Information Centers on Antisemitism (Rias) documented 8,725 antisemitic incidents in 2024. This figure confirms the continuation of high levels of incidents throughout the year, representing a three-fold increase compared to 2022. Based on these figures, nearly 24 antisemitic incidents occurred per day.
Jewish life in Germany was repeatedly subjected to threats and attacks throughout 2024. Rias reported 178 assaults and 257 threats, many of which took place in everyday settings. Specific incidents included four community members being insulted and spat upon in Kehl near a Jewish prayer room, and a rabbi being attacked in a supermarket in Hesse. In these cases, the victims were often blamed for actions taken by Israel. Furthermore, there were four instances of extreme violence, including a terrorist attack at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin.
Antisemitic threats also increased in the digital sphere. Over a quarter of all reported incidents occurred online, and nearly 43 percent of documented threats took place on the internet. Right-wing extremist incidents reached 807 cases, marking the highest point since Rias began its surveys in 2020. The stereotype of “Zionism” played a central role in many of these incidents.
Benjamin Steinitz, the managing board member of Rias, told the dts news agency that online environments cannot be “no-responsibility zones.” He noted that Rias perceives many antisemitic incidents occurring on the network with less restraint. Consequently, he argued that the involved platforms must be held accountable.
Steinitz added another crucial point: the need for better communication between law enforcement agencies, civil society experts, and organizations that document antisemitic, right-wing, and racist incidents. He stressed that the exchange and evaluation of this information among these groups is essential.
