In the shadow of the violent clashes between the Palestinians and Israel as part of Operation Wall Guard and the Israeli Arab riots, a record number of antisemitic incidents in Austria was recorded last year.
A report released on Friday by the Department of Anti-Semitism of the Jewish Community in Austria shows that the number of antisemitic incidents reported to the department in 2021 was 965. This is a 65% increase compared to 2020 and the highest figure since the beginning of regular surveillance of antisemitic incidents in Austria. -20 years.
Many shades of anti-Semitism
About 60% of the reported cases were incidents of abusive antisemitic behavior, mostly on social media and the Internet.
27% were cases of distribution of leaflets with antisemitic content.
10% were cases of desecration and damage to Jewish property and institutions.
2.5% were cases of threat and 1% were physically injured (12 cases).
It should be noted that these data do not reflect all antisemitic incidents in Austria, as many incidents are not yet reported for various reasons.
The highest monthly number of incidents was recorded last May, the "Guardian" date.
Despite the implicit link between the rise in antisemitic incidents and the Arab-Israeli conflict, the report's authors argue that the main causes of aggression are far-right activities, protests against corona restrictions and only in third place do they place protests against "Israeli policy", which usually come from immigrants Arabs and Muslims.
"Calls on everyone to show courage when witnessing antisemitic incidents"
The president of the Jewish community in Austria, Oscar Deutsch, says following the publication of the report that the upward trend can only be changed through the joint action of all society and institutions in Austria: "I call on everyone to show courage, as they witness antisemitic incidents wherever they occur.
Anti-Semitism is always anti-democratic.
Therefore, we are all affected by these alarming figures and it is very important to stand together for a free, open and pluralistic society. "
Meanwhile, the Center for the Study of Global Antisemitism.
Located in Israel, last week it launched a platform designed to address the phenomenon of spreading antisemitic content on social media.
The purpose of the platform is to assist in the analysis, monitoring, documentation and reporting of antisemitic content, especially on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok and YouTube, in light of the failure of the companies operating these networks to impose clear procedures against the spread of antisemitic incitement.
This failure, the center says, has a negative impact on Jewish communities around the world.
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