As we pass the midway point of 2020, Jewish communities around the world remain vigilant and concerned amid an unrelenting proliferation of manifestations of xenophobia and antisemitism. Several 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 the month of June. 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
Journalist comparing ”Zionism” with ”Nazism” and ”Stalinism”
When: June 15
Where: Tucumán, Argentina
What: An Argentine journalist referred to the “great propaganda apparatuses” of the previous century, “such as those of Nazism, Zionism, Stalinism or Peronism.” His article came only a few days after the Argentine government formally adopted the International Holocaust Alliance definition of antisemitism, which rejects such comparisons as antisemitic. To read more click here.
Australia
Australian newspaper apologizes after backlash over antisemitic cartoon
When: June 6
Where: Australia
What: The Australian Financial Review (AFR) published an antisemitic caricature of the country’s Jewish treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, who is portrayed as having a hooknose and wearing a head covering while carrying a golden staff in the shape of a dollar sign. The image drew condemnation from leaders in the Jewish community, including Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) co-CEO Alex Ryvchin, who asked, “Is that the treasurer depicted with a head covering, hook nose, and a dollar sign? A better way?” To read more, click here.
In another incident in June, a swastika was sprayed onto an ATM in the Melbourne suburb of Balaclava.
Belgium
Anti-Israel protesters in Brussels call for violence against Jews
When: June 28
Where: Brussels, Belgium
What: The WJC-affiliated Coordinating Committee for Jewish Organizations in Belgium (CCOJB) said it was shocked by the cries of demonstrators who shouted “khaybar, khaybar, ya ya’ud, jaysh Muhammad sawfa ya’ud” (Khaybar, Khaybar oh Jews, the army of Muhammad will return), a slogan that refers to a battle between the early Muslims and the Jews in the 7th century. The CCOJB immediately reacted to the use of the slogan, which it denounced as a “symbol of Muslim denomination over the Jews”, and recalled that similar manifestations in Antwerp in 2014 had led to a criminal prosecution and conviction. To read more, click here.
Canada
Jews most targeted victim group in Toronto in 2019, report reveals
When: 2019
Where: Toronto
What: Jews were the most targeted group in Toronto in 2019, accounting for approximately 32% of the 139 hate crimes, according to the Toronto Police Service. In addition to 44 specifically antisemitic incidents on record, the report noted that there were five hate crimes targeting Israelis, as well as eight “multi-bias” hate crimes that included anti-Jewish sentiment. The report found that members of the Jewish community were the most victimized group when it came to property damages and threats. To read more, click here.
In another incident in June, a Canadian Polish-language newspaper published an article stating that Jews and Zionists have “terrorism in their blood” and that “Jews are spying on you.”
Czech Republic
Antisemitic incidents double in Czech Republic in 2019
When: 2019
Where: Czech Republic
What: The Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic found that antisemitic incidents in the country occurred twice as often in 2019 as in 2018. The community’s annual report, which was published with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Endowment Fund for Holocaust Victims, found that out of the 694 reported incidents in 2019, 659 (95%) occurred online. A plurality of the antisemitic incidents online were attributed to far-right extremists. To read more, click here.
France
World Jewish Congress unequivocally condemns antisemitic hijacking of anti-racism protests in Paris
When: June 13
Where: Paris, France
What: Demonstrators shouted derogatory slogans such as ‘dirty Jews’ and blamed Israel for the racial tensions in the United States. The WJC condemnded the incident saying "It is beyond appalling that these protesters would dare to exploit a platform of opposition to all forms of racism and fascism by blatantly demeaning and demonizing both the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Such violent and incendiary incitement directly subverts and weakens the critical calls for justice and civil rights that are being sounded across the globe and engender a renewed sense of uncertainty and concern among Jewish communities both in France and elsewhere in Europe." To read more, click here.
Germany
Syrian vocational student says “all Jews belong in gas chamber”
When: June 4, 2018
Where: Solingen, Germany
What: According to a previously classified German intelligence report, a Syrian vocational student declared that “all Jews belong in the gas chamber.” The student also argued that the Jews are cursed. To read more, click here.
Poland
Jewish cemetery in Poland vandalized
Where: Tarnow, Poland
When: June
What: A wall in a Jewish cemetery in southern Poland was spray-painted with the letters “AJ,” likely referring to “Anti-Jude,” or anti-Jewish. Tarnow Mayor Roman Ciepiela condemned the incident and called for residents to “do everything to make the language of violence and contempt for others disappear.” To read more. click here.
In another incident in June, a right-wing Polish journalist wrote that Jews are “ruthless” and that the Holocaust is “a myth.”
United Kingdom
Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl thanks Labour leader for swift action in removing Rebecca Long-Bailey over antisemitism row
Where: Britain
When: June
What: Leader of the Labour Party Keir Starmerfor removed Rebecca Long-Bailey from the Shadow Cabinet after she reposted an article claiming that the American policeman that killed George Floyd learned the tactics in Israel. Board of Deputies President and WJC Vice President Marie van der Zyl expressed appreciation to Keir Starmer for “backing his words with actions on antisemitism...There can be no space for this sort of action in any party and it is right that after so many challenging years Labour is now making this clear under its new leader.” To read more click here.
In another incident in June, The British Community Security Trust (CST) published a report highlighting four relatively unregulated and lesser-known social media platforms where far-right extremists who have left mainstream social media companies gather to share thousands of violent antisemitic posts.
United States
Nevada Jewish man stabbed in head in antisemitic hate crime
When: June 20
Where: Carson City
What: According to Carson City newspaper Carson Now, an alleged stabber raised his arm in a Nazi salute and said “Heil Hitler, you piece of shit” before stabbing a Jewish man. To read more, click here.
Other incidents included the Nashville Holocaust Memorial being vandalized with an antisemitic message, a Pennsylvania Synagogue online service being interrupted by antisemitic slurs such as “Death to Jews,” and swastikas being painted in front of a Jewish cemetery in New Orleans.
South Africa
Anti-Israel student organization uses antisemitic tropes and blood libel
Where: University of Cape Town
When: June
What: The student-led Palestine Solidarity Forum wrote on social media, “It’s about time to boycott Israel because it brings nothing but discrimination and criminal mentality. Time to revive the academic boycott campaign at UCT? I wonder until when we’ll stay captured and controlled by the Zionist blood money?” To read more, click here.
