The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) released a report on Thursday which concluded that Jews in Europe face high levels of antisemitism, partially driven by the conflict in Gaza.

More than 90 percent of Jews participating in the survey stated that they faced antisemitism in the last year and 80 percent felt that has gotten worse in recent years. Compared to the survey taken in 2018, these numbers have increased. More than half of Jews even worry about their safety and the safety of their family. Over 70 percent have even hidden their Jewish identity on occasion.

The survey in the report was taken before the war in Gaza and before the attacks in October 2023. However, the FRA has had consultation with diverse Jewish umbrella organizations after the Hamas attacks on Israel, concluding that the attacks and their aftermath have had an intense impact on the lives of Jews in the European Union. Even though security concerns and the physical protection of Jews and Jewish institutions were already a problem before October 7, the number of threats against Jewish schools, synagogues and institutions has risen. Recent acts of antisemitism include the damage done to a Jewish memorial in Steglitz and the vandalism of the Shoah Memorial in Paris.

In the results of the survey, some small progress and improvements can also be seen. This can be attributed to efforts such as the EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life (2021-2030) and national strategies on combating antisemitism.

The report calls for the EU and its member states to remain firm in their commitment to stop the continuing rise of antisemitism. Furthermore, the report remarks that the current situation affects not only Jewish populations but also the Muslim community. The report states that its findings are a reminder to spread tolerance, respect and fundamental freedoms for everyone.