Antisemitism persists across Europe, with nearly half of the global adult population holding deeply ingrained antisemitic beliefs, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). This troubling rise, which has doubled in the past decade, shows that harmful stereotypes about Jews—such as controlling the media or being responsible for wars—are prevalent, especially in some European countries.
“Antisemitism is a global crisis,” said ADL Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Greenblatt. He called for immediate government action, expanded education, stricter social media controls, and enhanced security to combat hate crimes.
Antisemitism Increased Following October 2023 Events
Greenblatt pointed out that the situation worsened after the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack in southern Israel. This attack killed 1,200 people and took 250 hostages. The ensuing conflict, which has led to tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths, prompted war crimes charges against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas commanders by the International Criminal Court.
Antisemitism Across Europe: Troubling Trends Across Europe
Eastern Europe, where 49% of people hold antisemitic views, remains a major concern. Russia, in particular, shows the highest levels of prejudice. In Western Europe, 17% of the population harbors antisemitic beliefs. However, certain countries reveal particularly alarming trends. Greece leads with 82% believing Jews have excessive power in business, while 25% of Romanians blame Jews for most wars. Belgium is also flagged as problematic, with 40% of people believing Jews control the media and global matters. Additionally, 61% of Belgians think Jews are loyal only to Israel.
Urgent Call for Action
Greenblatt’s call for urgent interventions highlights the need for a collective global effort. Addressing these persistent prejudices and preventing further escalation requires international collaboration. Governments must act swiftly to curb the rise in antisemitic beliefs, while education and stronger social media regulations must be prioritized to safeguard against the spread of hate.