Jewish communities around the world remain vigilant and concerned amid an unrelenting proliferation of xenophobia and antisemitism. Recent reports indicate a steady rise in anti-Jewish expressions and incidents.
The World Jewish Congress has compiled a short review of some of the concerning trends and incidents witnessed and recorded over July 2020. We will continue to monitor developments as they arise and remain committed to working together with our communities to ensure a safer and more tolerant world for all.
Argentina
Argentinian professor offers bonus to ‘whoever finds a poor Jew’
When: July
Where: Cordoba, Argentina
What: A university professor in Argentina told his students that he would, "give a Christmas bonus to whoever finds a poor Jew," and challenged them to, "go fight a Jew for money.” A student recorded the lecture and reported the incident to the WJC-affiliated Delegation of Argentine Jewish Associations (DAIA). Click here to read more.
Australia
In Australia, antisemitic incidents increased by 31% in 2019
When: 2019
Where: Australia
What: In Australia, antisemitic incidents increased by 31 percent in 2019. The highest number of incidents reported were classified as ”abusive behavior” (362 cases) followed by damage and desecration (31), threats (27), distribution of antisemitic literature (17), assaults (12), and acts of extreme violence (2). Click here to read more.
Other incidents in Australia included the assault of a Jewish man and his son, and the antisemitic bullying of a 15-year-old Jewish student.
Britain
Antisemitic incidents in UK near record high in first-half of 2020
When: January - June 2020
Where: Britain
What: More than 100 antisemitic incidents were recorded in five out of the first six months of 2020 each – with 98 incidents being reported in June alone. The report found that while the number of incidents declined by 13% as compared to 2019, this decrease can likely be attributed to coronavirus social distancing requirements rather than an actual decrease in antisemitic sentiment. Click here to read more.
There were also several reported antisemitic incidents, including the defacing of a Manchester police officer’s belonging by a colleague; attempts to deliberately infect Jews with COVID-19, and charges brought against a Metropolitan Police officer for membership in a banned neo-Nazi group.
Canada
CIJA denounces antisemitic and anti-Israel chants at Toronto protest
When: July
Where: Great Toronto Area
What: In early July, a local food store in Toronto recently posted a notice saying “Zionists not welcome,” and promoted posts about debunked accusations that Jews control the media and economy on its Instagram page.
Responding to the incident, Barbara Bank, Chair of CIJA Toronto, said, “Enough is enough. It is outrageous that in 2020 people feel comfortable using dehumanizing and exclusionary language targeting the Jewish community. The days of signs stating ‘No Dogs and No Jews’ at establishments in the GTA should be firmly behind us.” Click here to read more.
Other incidents included the appearance of neo-Nazi posters in Kitchener, Ontario.
France
Cemetery in southern France defaced with swastikas
When: 12 July
Where: Gruissan municipal cemetery
What: Approximately twenty Jewish gravestones were vandalized with swastikas and the words “Death to Jews” and “Death to the French.” No suspects have been identified. Click here to read more.
Germany
Antisemitism and hate on rise in Germany, government report finds
When: July
Where: Germany's Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV)
What: According to a report by Germany's domestic security agency (Protection of the Constitution) there are 32,080 right-wing extremists and 33,500 left-wing extremists in Germany in 2019. Click here to read more.
There were also several reported antisemitic incidents including, the vandalization of one of Europe’s oldest Jewish cemeteries, German celebrity chef Attila Hildmann called Jews, "parasites," and, "subhumans," on his Telegram account, and MP Gregor Gysi blamed Israel and Jews for antisemitism.
Iran
Iranian controlled media outlet strokes antisemitism
When: July
Where: Fars News Agency
What: An article published by the Fars News Agency, an outlet closely associated by the Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), argued that the children’s movie Esther: The Girl Who Became Queen was tantamount to, “a Zionist hero [infiltrating] our streaming service. Click here to read more.
Switzerland
Swiss Jews increasingly concerned about antisemitism, according to recent survey
When: July
Where: Switzerland
What: The Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) survey examining Swiss Jews’ perceptions of antisemitism found that a slight majority of Swiss Jews (51.5%) believe that antisemitism is a pressing social problem, and a strong majority (75%) believe that the problem has worsened over the past five years. Nearly half of the respondents said they had witnessed threats or insults to other Jews online. Click here to read more.
Ukraine
Ukrainian Jewish community shaken by attack on Mariupol synagogue
When: July 28th
Where: Mariupol
What: A man who attempted to enter into a synagogue with an ax was disarmed and chased away by the synagogue's security guard. Media reports indicated that the perpetrator later returned, this time throwing feces at the building.
In response to the attack, the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine expressed its outrage, saying: “it is noteworthy that a criminal who broke into a synagogue attacked Jews with an axe in his hand, as the thugs of the past did. And it is symbolic that this attack was committed on the eve of the most tragic day for the Jews, the ninth of Av.” Click here to read more.
United States of America
Jewish man attacked by 3 in possible bias crime in Midwood
When: July 11
Where: Midwood, NY
What: A 51-year-old Jewish man was crossing the street when three young men allegedly yelled antisemitic expletives at him, proceeded to leave their car and physical the man. The victim was treated for his wounds at the New York Community Hospital. The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating the incident. Click here to read more.
There were many other antisemitic incidents across the United States. A synagogue’s service in Newington, Connecticut was Zoom-bombed. “They put up a caricature of the Jew with a big nose. It was just so upsetting,” said Temple Sinai Rabbi Jeffrey Bennett, describing just some of the hateful messaging. Police are investigating the situation. In Florida, two synagogues were defaced with swastikas. Also desecrated, were parts of one of the two synagogue made from Jerusalem stone — a special limestone brought from Jerusalem and so the congregation can feel closer to Israel. In Ohio, a mural honoring victims of police brutality, including the late George Floyd was defaced with a swastika. On the back of the mural, the words “Welcome to Athens Now Leave” were written in red.
Yemen
Reports of Houthi rebels imprisoning Yemeni Jews
When: July
Where: Yemen
What: Media outlets have reported in recent days that the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are arresting and imprisoning Yemeni Jews and urging them to leave the country in an ethnic cleansing effort. Though the flow of information in and out of Yemen is limited due to protracted conflict, these reports coming to light in Arabic media are disturbing. " To read World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder’s response, click here.
