Antisemitism surges to unprecedented levels in Switzerland after Israel-Hamas war

In 2024, Switzerland experienced a significant rise in antisemitic incidents, tied closely to the Israel-Hamas war that erupted on October 7, 2023. The Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities (SIG) and the Foundation Against Racism and Antisemitism (GRA) reported 221 real-world antisemitic incidents, a staggering 43% increase from 2023 and a 287% jump compared to 2022. Prior to the Hamas-led massacre, incidents were relatively rare, highlighting the severe impact the conflict had on social dynamics within the country. Among these incidents were 11 physical attacks on Jews, with an attempted murder case in Zurich described as the most serious antisemitic hate crime in the last two decades. The report detailed an alarming increase in antisemitic statements, rising from 38 in 2023 to 103 in 2024. In total, 45% of incidents were linked to the Israel-Hamas war, with 28% of the 1,596 registered online incidents also bearing a connection. The surge in antisemitism is not limited to physical violence; the atmosphere has cultivated a growing feeling of insecurity among Swiss Jews, many of whom now conceal religious symbols to safeguard their identities. This growing climate of fear is exacerbated by societal attitudes that perceive Jews as being responsible for Israeli politics, further fuelling hatred. In parallel, a similar trend is evident in Canada, particularly in British Columbia, where a survey revealed 90% of Canadian Jews experienced anxiety due to increasing antisemitism following the October attacks. The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver highlighted that 85% of Jewish respondents felt antisemitism had increased significantly, with over 60% having faced at least one antisemitic episode, which included verbal abuse and vandalism. Jews in Canada are responding to rising violence and discrimination by altering their behaviors, such as avoiding specific places or removing visible signs of their faith. The situations in both Switzerland and Canada reflect a larger pattern of growing antisemitism as conflicts over Israel and Palestine ignite hate discussions worldwide. Community leaders are calling for action to safeguard Jewish populations and preserve public safety. The report by SIG and GRA emphasized that antisemitism has taken a frightening turn, stating it is no longer a distant issue but a harsh reality within Switzerland, invoking a call for enhanced protections and social awareness regarding this disturbing trend.