The Media Line: Global Report Shows Steep Rise in Antisemitism in 2023

By The Media Line Staff

A comprehensive annual report from Tel Aviv University (TAU) and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) released Sunday morning has found a significant surge in antisemitic incidents in Western countries in 2023 compared to 2022. The rise was particularly pronounced following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, although a steady increase was already noticeable in the nine months before the attack. Notable spikes were observed in countries with substantial Jewish populations, including the US, France, the UK, and Australia.

The report reveals that New York City, the city with the world’s largest Jewish population, saw antisemitic hate crimes rise to 325 incidents in 2023, up from 261 in 2022. Other US cities, such as Los Angeles and Chicago, also recorded significant increases. ADL data show a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents across the US, with 7,523 cases in 2023, compared to 3,697 in 2022. In France, the UK, and other countries, the number of antisemitic incidents surged following October 7, exacerbating the issue.

Professor Uriya Shavit, head of TAU’s Center for the Study of Contemporary European Jewry, warned of the dangers facing Jewish communities in the West, stating that antisemitism must be tackled urgently to prevent further deterioration. He criticized Israel’s response to antisemitism, advocating for a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes the needs of Jewish communities worldwide.