Analytics

The Coordination Forum for Countering Antisemitism - Yearly Evaluation: 2012 (Part 1)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The report is based on data gathered and published on the Forum's website. Naturally, the number of incidents published in the report is not a reflection of all the incidents that actually occurred, and sometimes the details differ from those published by the various Jewish Communities. Nonetheless, the data does as a rule reflect what, in our view, constitute the trends.

The high level of the reported Antisemitic incidents was maintained in 2011, including those of a violent nature. This also takes into account the absence of an event that acts as a "trigger' in the dispute between Israel and its Arab neighbors/Palestinians. While over the last two years the high levels of Antisemitism on the part of Muslim elements has been maintained and also its well recognized features, an increase has occurred this year in the level of Antisemitism and its extent among elements on the extreme right. It is estimated that one of the factors having a bearing on such an increase is the world economic crisis which worsened in 2011. As in the past, the leading countries with the highest rate of Antisemitic incidents in general and in terms of violence in particular, are those countries containing the largest Jewish Communities: USA, France and Britain. Along with them, there are other countries in Western Europe, including Holland and Belgium in which the challenge to the day to day existence of these communities is an ever-increasing one.

The trend of the strengthening of the extreme right in Europe has continued. This is expressed in the spread of nationalistic sentiments, mainly among the young people opposed to immigration. There has been a substantial increase in the level of violence principally against foreigners, but also against Jews. The economic crisis haunting the world also acts as a factor that sustains and acts as a spur to Antisemitic activity singling out the Jews as bearing responsibility for the deteriorating situation. Prominent countries in which, in 2011, the level of such events has increased and the number of them, on the part of rightist elements, include: USA, Germany, Russia, Poland, and Ukraine.

The campaign for the de-legitimization of Israel continued and even strengthened in 2011, involving Muslim elements, Palestinians, the extreme left and in certain places, also extreme right-wing organizations. This year the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) activity intensified all over the world. This was expressed in the form of demonstrations and calls for the imposition of aneconomic-trade and academic boycott on Israeli companies and institutions, and is reflective of an anti-Israeli public discourse that grew in strength in 2011.

However, the feature of the year was the failure of the BDS organizations worldwide to create a broad front of supporters as a lever for "strategic" events (such as the "flotillas" and "flightillas") with the object of tightening the boycott and sanctions on Israel. Because of this, the main focus of the leaders of the BDS movement was aimed at stores selling Israeli products. The delegitimization of Israel activities make harming the Jews more "acceptable" and exposes the Jewish Communities worldwide, more so than in the past, to violence and terrorism.

Iran continues to view Antisemitism as a strategic tool for challenging Israel's standing and it is operating on two main levels: the first - the declarative level including virulent anti-Israel statements, and the second, in the field, in terms of action to strengthen its circles of influence by directing and encouraging various elements (Muslims, extreme right-wing and extreme left-wing elements), in the carrying out of defamatory anti-Israel and Antisemitic activity. Such activity is particularly common in Latin America, as well as in Europe.

The "Arab Spring" acted as a catalyst for increasing Antisemitic manifestations and also laid bare the basic hatred of the Arab public in these countries, towards the Jews. In practical terms, after the fall of the Ben-Ali regime in Tunisia, the Jewish Community experienced, over a short period, a series of Antisemitic incidents, although it should be stressed that these incidents were also roundly condemned after governmental authority had been stabilized locally.

Due to the direct and proven link between the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the level of Antisemitism, it is reasonable to assume that in scenarios of an escalation in the Middle East, an exacerbation can be anticipated in the gravity (level of violence) of Antisemitic incidents and in their scope.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT SITUATION AND APPRAISAL OF IT ON A PLACE-BY- PLACE PROFILE

BRITAIN

Britain continues to constitute one of the main centers of Antisemitism, anti-Israel and anti-Zionism. A whole spectrum of the extremist scene is active in Britain - Islamic, the extreme left and the extreme right, as well as endemic Antisemitism prevailing among some of the elites and the media in Britain and expressing itself in statements and utterances against the State of Israel which make use of terminology tainted by the world of Antisemitic concepts.

Britain continues to constitute a center for the de-legitimization activity against Israel and the continuing call for an academic, cultural and economic boycott of Israel. In September 2011 such activity led inter alia, to the closure of the flagship store of the "Ahava" cosmetics company in Covent Garden, in London.

The incidents in Britain include propaganda, graffiti (some of a Neo-Nazi nature and some of a pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionist/Israeli nature), threats and harassment of individuals, desecration of Synagogues, cemeteries, and commemorative monuments, and violent incidents including physical assaults.

Prominent Antisemitic incidents during the year:

FRANCE

France constitutes a prominent arena for violence against Jews (mainly against Jews who stand out as such and/or while walking near Synagogues). The year 2011 was also characterized by many violent incidents, including, knife attacks, severe beatings, the carving of a Swastika on the hand of a young girl, and 3 arson attempts. A majority of the assailants were Muslims.

The campaign to de-legitimize Israel (led by leftist elements in collaboration with Muslims) which has been ongoing for some years now in France, continues to develop, and blurs the distinction between the identification of French Jews with Israel and them being accused of "criminality". Public support of Israel is now perceived as not "politically correct", and anti-Israeli content can be found in government high school textbooks.

Enforcement of the law against those accused of a boycott of Israel was weakened in the second half of 2011, when the Courts (on July 8 and on December 15) completely acquitted left-wing activists who had participated in inciting a trade boycott against Israel.

During 2011, the Jewish Community found itself, unwillingly, in the forefront of the public arena as a result of the affair involving DSK (Dominique Strauss-Kahn), a man of Jewish origin. This affair again gave rise to "classic" Antisemitic motifs headed by the guilt of the Jews for the deteriorating economic situation in France and of "their world domination".

The rise in the power of the extreme right in France (according to the polls) - even if not directed against the Jews - is also likely, at the end of the day, to contribute to the increase in Antisemitism (as we would anticipate this year in other countries).

Prominent Antisemitic incidents during the year:

BELGIUM

This year, Belgium experienced an increase in the number of Antisemitic incidents. Research carried out in May 2011, indicates that most of the Muslim students hold Antisemitic views. The universities continue to constitute a center of incitement against Israel and this overflows into overt Antisemitism. This trend led to the resignation of a member of the Board of Brussels University as a protest against cases of Antisemitism that had occurred in academia.

Prominent Antisemitic incidents during the year:

• Young girl attacked on school premises (November 21).
• Political threat against the Jewish schools (November 4).
• Antisemitic statements of right wing party Member of Parliament (October 21)
• Resignation of member of Board of Brussels University (July 18)

HOLLAND

In Holland, the number of recorded incidents increased mainly in the area of the residence of and in the day to day activities of members of the Jewish Community. The threat against the Jews from Muslim communities intensified, similarly to that in other countries of the region (France, Belgium).

Anti Semitism is also widespread among the elites who tend to adopt a clearly pro-Palestinian and Anti-Israeli approach bordering on Antisemitism. Thus for example Gerta Duisenberg, an extremist Dutch activist for Palestinian rights stated, that she "is almost proud to be called an Anti-Semite". In May 2011, it was published that organizations calling for a boycott of Israel are being partially funded by the Dutch Government indirectly as part of the financing of charitable Dutch NGO Organizations who are supportive of and active in the boycott of Israel campaign.

Neo-Nazi elements are correspondingly continuing to take part mainly in desecration incidents and in the writing of graffiti of a Neo-Nazi character. Likewise, they are playing a prominent part in "football Antisemitism and hooliganism" which is most prevalent in Holland (mainly in matches involving the Ajax Football Club which is identified as a "Jewish" Club.

Prominent Antisemitic incidents during the year:

• Anti Semitic slogans during a religious dialogue march (February 15)
• Anti Semitic graffiti in Jewish school (May 17)

SWITZERLAND

There has been a clear increase in Antisemitic incidents, compared with 2010 in which isolated incidents were recorded. Most of the incidents included incitement and graffiti.

Nonetheless, there were two exceptional incidents of assaults:

• The stabbing of an orthodox Jew with a knife in front of his family (December 30)
• Rabbi assaulted (February 28)

ITALY

The level of Antisemitism in Italy continued on a relatively low level. No violent incidents were recorded. The main Antisemitic activity is on the propaganda level (including the writing of graffiti).

2011 was characterized by a gradual increase in the level of Anti-Israel propaganda on the internet websites of the extreme left pro-Palestinian Organizations in Italy. These websites demonstrate vigorous activity in the sphere of the call for a boycott of Israeli products, the voicing of protests against Italian companies investing in the State of Israel and in the organization of active measures against Israel such as active participation in flotillas to Gaza.

In December 2011, 5 Neo-Fascists who had planned an attack on the President of the Rome Jewish community, and also on the Mayor of the City and on the Presidents of the House of Representatives and the Senate, were arrested. The group had been engaged in the distribution of propaganda and racist, ethnic and religious incitement to violence. (An identical incident had also occurred in 2010).

Prominent Antisemitic incidents during the year:

A Professor of the Manconi Language School: Enough about the Holocaust myth (April 17)

GERMANY

An increase occurred in the number of reported Antisemitic incidents during the last year. The worsening of the situation regarding Antisemitism was also expressed in East Germany where Jews were warned not to wear scull-caps or any Jewish symbols, owing to the wave of Antisemitism in the country.

The main Antisemitic events originate from the extreme right and the Neo-Nazis. Recently, a terrorist cell was exposed in Germany of Neo-Nazi activists which had been active all over Germany for a period of 13 years. Its members had robbed banks (on about 14 occasions) and had murdered 8 Turks, 1 Greek, as well as a Policewoman. According to various evidence, the suspicion arose that there were also Jewish targets among the planned objectives of the terrorist cell. According to research carried out, and similar to in other countries, there was widespread Antisemitism among the extreme right wing elements at the football grounds in Germany.

Antisemitic propaganda also had a substantial influence among the Muslim immigrant population, mainly among the younger generation. This is disseminated principally by the Islamic Satellite TV Stations "Al Manar" of Hezbollah "Al Aqsa" of Hamas, the "Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting" radio station and Turkish radio stations broadcasting in Germany.

In comparison to the Antisemitism of the extreme right, the "New Antisemitism", which is expressed principally in left wing circles, is of relatively low volume. During the last year there were sporadic outbursts of the Anti-Israel left movements as part of the delegitimization of Israel trend, calling for intensification of BDS. It should be noted that delegitimization of Israel features are also discernible among Neo-Nazi elements that support the Palestinians.

Prominent Antisemitic incidents during the year:

• Cemetery desecrated in WESSELRING (January 20)
• Synagogue vandalized in Aachen (March 30
• Stone thrown at Jewish Community Building in Bernau (April 18)
• Young Jewish boy attacked in Stuttgart (September 6)
• Exposure of Neo-Nazi organization responsible for the murder of 10 German citizens and also apparently a Rabbi in Switzerland (November)

AUSTRIA

In general terms, there was a decrease this year in the number of Antisemitic events reported in Austria. This followed the sharp increase in the number of Antisemitic incidents that occurred in 2010, including violence - as a result of the Gaza flotilla (May 10)

Along with a continuation of the attacks by extreme right elements, in the last year the number of Antisemitic attacks by Muslims intensified. Thus for example, in two instances Jews were violently attacked in Innsbruck by Muslims (April), and in the Town of Baden, an Iranian confessed to having desecrated synagogues on more than a dozen occasions (May).

This trend is also reflected in the strengthening in Austria of the Muslim community in general and the Turkish community in particular, a direct consequence of the extremist approach in the policy of the Turkish Government towards Israel. The Head of the Muslim community in Austria is currently a Turk who was elected to the position this year and who is linked with MILLI GORUS, the parent organization of the Turkish community in Europe, holding Islamist views and maintains contacts with the IHH and with Hamas.

Prominent Antisemitic incidents during the year:

SCANDINAVIA

In general, the features of Antisemitism in 2011 resemble those of 2010. The number of Antisemitic incidents was relatively sparse. Nevertheless, the City of Malmo (Sweden) continues to stand out as one of the difficult locations for Jews in the West due to Antisemitic hate crimes, including violence, on the part of the large Muslim population in the city. Many Antisemitic attacks are not even reported by the victims of the attack (the testimony of the Habad emissary in Malmo provides support for this phenomenon).

In the Scandinavian countries, the extreme left organizations are in the vanguard of the Anti-Israel propaganda campaign. This is expressed in calls that are heard from time to time, including through the main media outlets, for the imposition of an academic boycott of Israel and a boycott of Israeli products. The extreme left organizations are working in conjunction with Palestinian and pro-Palestinian organizations in a propaganda campaign whose purpose is the de-legitimization of the State of Israel.

NORWAY

Of the Scandinavian countries, Norway is the most prominent in its calls for a boycott of Israel. Antisemitism in Norway is particularly venomous among the cultural elite - the academic institutions, the intellectuals, writers, newspapers and politicians and it penetrates into the media and the schools.

A number of hostile articles were published in the Norwegian press during the year containing various Antisemitic messages, including de-legitimization and demonization of Israel and the control of the Jewish lobby over the American Administration.

In July 2011, Anders Behring Breivik, a young Norwegian of extreme right-wing views perpetrated two terrorists attacks (in Oslo and in Utiya) in which 77 people were killed. As a result of the incident, conspiracy theories were disseminated accusing Israel (and the Jews) of the act, including the publication of an article written by a Norwegian Professor putting forward such a theory.

SWEDEN

Antisemitism in 2011 was similar in its level and in its nature to that of 2010. It should be noted that the Swedish Government financed the publication of an Anti-Israel brochure accusing Israel of ethnic cleansing and apartheid. More than 200 lecturers and students from Sweden signed a call for an academic boycott of Israeli institutions. The call for a boycott was initiated by a group at the Royal Technology Institute in Stockholm.

HUNGARY

The level of Antisemitism in Hungary in the current year is similar to that of 2010. The events did not degenerate into physical violence. Antisemitism in Hungary is of the classic-traditional type with the extreme right generating the main Antisemitic activities.

This year, activists and supporters of the extreme right Jobbik Party were also prominent (this is the third largest party in the Hungarian Parliament) in leading the Anti-Israel and Antisemitic line. This was expressed in obviously Antisemitic slogans during demonstrations (some with the participation of Muslims and pro-Palestinians), various declarations and statements, (including in Parliament), and by publications in the media outlets the most prominent of them being the KURUC internet website operated by extreme right-wing organizations in Hungary and constituting the main propaganda weapon of their ideology.

Jobbik links with Iran - according to publications in the Hungarian media, Jobbik has links with Iran. Thus, in October 2011 an Iranian delegation visited Hungary, inter alia, with a view to exploring areas in which the Iranians could invest. The delegation visited several cities including those whose mayors were elected on behalf of the Jobbik Party.

Prominent Antisemitic incidents during the year:

CZECH REPUBLIC

The level of Antisemitism was relatively low in the Czech Republic this year and similar to that of 2010.

The main factors contributing to the low level of Antisemitism were - law enforcement, a determined campaign against the phenomenon on the part of the authorities, a relatively small and moderate Muslim population, and a small Jewish Community.

BULGARIA

There is a Neo-Nazi presence and of skin-heads in Bulgaria who carry out Antisemitic acts that are generally expressed in the vandalizing of monuments and desecration of cemeteries, as well as the writing of graffiti. In general terms, the number of Antisemitic incidents in Bulgaria is low, although it has increased in recent years. In addition, books with Antisemitic contents are published and sold in Bulgaria.

SERBIA

Generally, there is a low level of Antisemitism in Serbia. Neo-Nazi and Nationalistic activity is well-known in the country.

Towards the end of December there was a report of a clearly Antisemitic incident - an image of Hitler was painted on a railway carriage in Belgrade, as well as Nazi symbols, a Swastika and the SS symbol, with a deleted Star of David. The carriage had been traveling for two days on its route unhindered until public protest and the refusal of passengers to board the carriage took effect.

As a result of the protest, the public "Serbian Railways" operator repainted the carriage, published an apology, and announced the punishment of the culprits.

GREECE

"Classic" Antisemitism exists in Greece, which is rooted in the Greek-Orthodox Church, along with Anti-Israeli and pro-Palestinian sources. The Antisemitic features are expressed in the main in extreme right wing propaganda, graffiti and pro-Palestinian demonstrations of extreme left elements and of Palestinians.

The background to the increase in the level of Antisemitism can, in our estimation, be put down to the deterioration in the economic situation and in the internal instability of Greece along with increasing support of the Palestinians.

Extreme Right and Neo-Nazis

The activity of the LAOS Party is a salient feature, it being a party with classic Antisemitic views and which currently constitutes part of the new Greek Government.

Likewise, the activity of the Neo-Nazi Golden Dawn (Chrisi Avghi) organization is well-known, and which has a history of Antisemitic activity and anti-foreigner activity.

Prominent Antisemitic incidents during the year:

RUSSIA

The Antisemitic propaganda is continuing almost unhindered (a clear example of the paradox of the claims made by Antisemites - blaming the Jews for defaming the Communist revolution along with encouraging the collapse of the Soviet Union). During 2011 the principal manifestations of Antisemitism were expressed in the desecration of sites identified with the Jews, such as Synagogues, cemeteries, community premises, holocaust victims memorial sites, alongside the distribution of Antisemitic and nationalistic propaganda, also in the course of Neo-Nazi and Nationalist demonstrations throughout Russia (in the spirit of traditional Russian Antisemitism). It is worth emphasizing that in terms of numbers, the amount of serious incidents in Russia is not proportionately high. Additionally, Antisemitism continues to constitute a component in the ideology of nationalist politicians and public figures.

It is appropriate to mention that a substantial part of the violent extreme right and Neo-Nazi activity, as of the last few years, is concentrated on activity against immigrants and various other ethnic minorities in Russia.

Prominent Antisemitic incidents during the year:

UKRAINE

The source of the principal Antisemitic activity in the Ukraine is in the arena of the extreme-right and Neo-Nazis. This is active and relatively violent. A discernible increase in Ukrainian nationalistic sentiments and wish of the nation to be reminded of its Jewish sources (for example, revival of the Ukrainian language, and embracing the "Heroes of Ukrainian Culture", etc).

Nevertheless, relative to the previous year, there was a noticeable decrease in the number of Antisemitic incidents. At the same time, in 2011 there were reports of many Antisemitic incidents in the Ukraine, some of them of a violent nature. Since the declaration of Ukrainian independence, nationalistic sentiments have discernibly increased and the wish of the nation to be reminded of its Jewish antecedents. Attempts are continuing against this background, to engender esteem for historical Ukrainian leaders, some of whom were complicit in the murder of many Jews.

Prominent Antisemitic incidents during the year:

• Stoning of a bus carrying Hassidim (March)
• Shattering of windows in the Jewish Community Building in Bashvestka with an air rifle (May)
• Threatening one of the worshippers at Uman with a knife (June)
• Destruction of the "Guests Synagogue" tent in Uman (September)

THE BALTIC REPUBLICS

The principal source of Antisemitic activity in these countries is the extreme right and the Neo-Nazis. As part of the arousal of a nationalistic atmosphere, activities are occurring in the Baltic States to commemorate and engender esteem for nationalist forces who were also complicit in the murder of Jews during the Second World War. Another issue that constitutes a source of Antisemitism is the subject of the restitution of Jewish property to the communities.

LITHUANIA

In recent years there has been a certain worsening of the Antisemitic atmosphere in Lithuania. Along with the vandalizing of cemeteries, memorial monuments and Synagogues (mainly in Vilna and Kovno), a number of freakish Ant-Semitic incidents have occurred such as the placement of a pig's head near the Synagogue in Kovno (August), hanging an image of a pig's head on a memorial tombstone in Vilna to Jews who perished in the holocaust (October) and the marking of Hitler's birthday all over Lithuania, inter alia by placing an Antisemitic signboard opposite the Synagogue (April)

LATVIA

In keeping with the trend in the preceding years, a limited number of Antisemitic incidents was identified in Latvia during 2011. A Jewish cemetery was desecrated in June in the City of VALDEMARPILS, and in Riga in May, the grave of one of the righteous gentiles who saved more than 50 Jews during the Nazi occupation of the City of Riga, was desecrated.

TURKEY

There were no significant Antisemitic incidents during 2011. Such Antisemitism as occurred took the form of propaganda and in certain newspapers whose practice it is to "stir up hatred" against Jews, Israel and the "Jewish Lobby in the USA" on a regular basis.

At the beginning of February the screening began in the Cinemas in Turkey, of the film "Valley of the Wolves - Palestine". The plot of the film shows a Turkish Agent who arrives in Israel to carry out an attack on those planning an action to take over control of the "Marmara" and in doing so he becomes aware of the life of the Palestinians and their suffering. The film, which regurgitates most of the usual Antisemitic themes won a large measure of success in Turkey (despite viewing being restricted to persons over the age of 13). In the more moderate section of the Turkish media, despite its content and its defamatory nature, they nevertheless refrained from directly criticizing it.

In the middle of April, the IHH organization declared that it would continue the intifada on land and at sea and described Zionism as a "virus that infects humanity". At the end of April, the Jewish cemetery in the Beyoglu neighborhood of Istanbul was desecrated. On the other hand, it should be mentioned that the Turkish government is insistent on stressing that the Jewish community is an integral part of Turkey, and its opposition to any Antisemitic phenomenon directed against it.

SOUTH AFRICA

The level of Antisemitism and the nature of it this year is similar to that of 2010. In the main, the Antisemitic incidents consisted of verbal vilification and harassment. There are attempts in the media to mount a campaign against expressions of Antisemitism (in June a journalist working for the Guardian Mail was suspended as a result of an expression of Antisemitic sentiments on Facebook, and in May, the director of the Market Theatre was dismissed, also because of Antisemitic statements on Facebook).Antisemitism in South Africa is more prominently expressed in activities for the delegitimization of Israel and comparison of it to the Apartheid regime. The boycott campaign against Israel is very active in South Africa, and has won the support of the trade unions (COSATU). This organization, which does not conceal its hostility to Israel and has links with Palestinian and Muslim organizations in South Africa, is calling for an economic, cultural and military boycott of Israel on the model that brought down the Apartheid regime in South Africa. In this context, mention should be made of the South African refusal to ratify the appointment of the new military attaché.

A consumer boycott has also been conducted against "Ahava" products and Johannesburg University has called for the end to collaboration with "the Israeli occupation" and a boycott of Beersheba University.

Muslim organizations in South Africa also participate in the de-legitimization activities, are engaged in Antisemitic incitement against Israel and are propagating their views through the local media that they control (Radio, Television stations and internet websites). The most prominent of them is the MUSLIM MJC (JUDICIAL COUNCIL), the largest and the most influential Muslim organization in South Africa. Anti-Israel and Antisemitic incitement also emanates from the Church in South Africa. Thus it is the case that priests have organized anti-Israel demonstrations and have compared Zionism to Nazism, citing the policy against the Palestinians. In general terms, there has been a growth in the involvement of the Anglican Church (the largest in South Africa) in support of the Palestinians and in the propagation of Anti-Zionist views.

AUSTRALIA

According to the Annual Report of the Jewish community on the subject of Antisemitism in Australia, there has been an increase of 31 percent in the number of Antisemitic incidents as compared to the previous year. This data is consistent with the information in our possession. The main incidents take the form of the sending of vindictive letters to members of the community by electronic mail and by the writing of graffiti. Two violent incidents were also reported this year.

An increase in de-legitimization activity has occurred this year in Australia, which has taken the form principally of demonstrations organized by the BDS movement for the boycott of Max Brenner and "Ahava" shops, although the events of the apartheid week were relatively limited and on a reduced scale as compared with the previous year, and were restricted to within the confines of the universities and colleges only. The worrying trend in relation to BDS in Australia is the comparison that is made, and acceptance of such comparison, as between Israel and the Nazi regime, a comparison that has been roundly condemned by the Australian establishment.

In general terms, there has been a clear attempt on the part of elements of the Australian administration to restrain BDS activity. Thus, for example, in the Town of Marrickville the Town Council prohibited any continued dealing with the subject of the BDS and the Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the Australian participants in the second Gaza flotilla that they would not receive any help whatsoever should they require it. Furthermore, arrests were made of activists in demonstrations outside "Max Brenner" and "Ahava".

Antisemitism is rife on the campus, and according to a survey more than two-thirds of the students (68%) had experience of "classic" Antisemitic or Anti-Zionist incidents. There are Christian religious personalities and organizations that have links with the extreme Left, and who express Anti-Semitic, Anti-Israeli sentiments, but this has been condemned by the Church establishment in Australia.