“European Jews are living in fear again”: European Commission raises alarm over anti-Semitism

The surge in anti-Semitism across Europe over the past few days has reached an extraordinary level, causing European Jews to live in fear again, as in the “darkest times in history.” This is stated in a statement by the European Commission.

“We have seen a resurgence of antisemitic incidents and rhetoric in the European Union and worldwide: Molotov cocktails thrown on a synagogue in Germany, stars of David sprayed on residential buildings in France, a Jewish cemetery desecrated in Austria, Jewish stores and synagogues attacked in Spain, demonstrators chanting hate slogans against Jews,” it said.

The European Commission emphasized that in these difficult times, the EU stands by its Jewish communities and “condemns in the strongest possible terms these heinous acts” that contradict Europe’s core values and way of life.

“Against the model of society we represent: one based on equality, inclusiveness and the full respect of human rights. Jewish, Muslim, Christian – no one should live in fear of discrimination or violence because of their religion or their identity. The EU is determined to protect the wellbeing of all its communities, ethnic, religious or other,” the EC said in a statement.

It added that Europe must confront this rise in anti-Semitism, as well as the rise of anti-Muslim hatred, which has no place in Europe.

“We already have powerful tools at our disposal to address such incidents: EU law criminalizes public incitement to hatred and violence and establishes a common approach to combating racist and xenophobic speech and hate crimes. Ensuring its strict observance is now more important than ever,” the Commission said.

On Saturday, November 4, a Jewish woman was attacked with a knife in the French city of Lyon, allegedly on the grounds of anti-Semitism.

Since October 7, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, and Israel launched a military operation in Gaza in retaliation, 887 anti-Semitic events and incidents have been recorded in France, with more than 400 people detained in connection with them.

A couple from Moldova was detained in Paris, accused of painting Stars of David on buildings “at the request of a third party”, a Russian national. On the night of October 30-31, about 60 stars were painted on the walls in one of the districts of Paris.

On October 30, anti-Semitic actions took place at the Makhachkala airport in Dagestan, Russian Federation. Several thousand people shouted slogans in support of Palestine and held anti-Israeli posters. Radical protesters were searching for Jews in a plan which arrived from Israel.

After that, the Israeli government appealed to its citizens to refrain from travelling abroad and to hide their national characteristics if they were outside the country.