Deadly German synagogue attack latest indication of increasing global antisemitism
Antisemitism is a top concern in Germany, where data shows reported anti-Jewish incidents rose 10% last year, and where the trial of a group of alleged neo-Nazis for planning an attack in Berlin began last week
The attack in Germany, where investigators are pursuing antisemitic motives after the assailant reportedly shot at the door of the synagogue in an attempt to gain entry, drew swift condemnation from United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and renewed calls from Jewish groups in the U.S. to step up cooperation in combating antisemitism.
"We have been saying for several years that antisemitism is real, it's resurgent, it's lethal and it's multi-sourced," American Jewish Committee CEO David Harris said in an interview.
Harris added that Wednesday's Yom Kippur attack in Halle, coming on the heels of the one-year anniversary of the antisemitic shooting that killed 11 worshippers at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue, "should all be triggering alarm bells. The question is whether they are."
Robert Bank, President and CEO of American Jewish World Service, issued a statement calling on people "of every background around the world to combat the increasing waves of hatred and intolerance against all people, including anti-Semitic, racist, Islamophobic, misogynistic, homophobic and transphobic violence."
A brief look at the state of global antisemitism
United States and Canada
The Anti-Defamation League, which called the Germany shooting "heartbreaking" in a Wednesday statement, reported earlier this year that violent antisemitic episodes in the United States doubled in 2018.
Wednesday's holy day of Yom Kippur also saw an antisemitic incident reported in New York, where Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a statement condemning what he called "the desecration of a Holocaust memorial" in the city of White Plains on the eve of the holiday.
In Canada, the government reported a 4% dip in anti-Semitic attacks last year -- but only after a sharp rise in 2017.
Europe
Antisemitism is a top concern in Germany, where data shows reported antisemitic incidents rose 10% last year, according to Tel Aviv University's Kantor Center, and where the trial of a group of alleged neo-Nazis for planning an attack in Berlin began last week.
Chancellor Angela Merkel's government earlier this year affirmed its commitment to protecting Jews who wear skullcaps from antisemitic threats.
But beyond Germany, several other nations are grappling with spiking reports of antisemitic sentiment as well as behavior.
In the United Kingdom, the Community Security Trust charity recently reported a 10% rise in antisemitic incidents during the first six months of this year.
In the Czech Republic, the Federation of the Jewish Communities reported a rise in antisemitic incidents last year.
