The Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic, the central umbrella organiזation representing the country’s Jews, published a worrying report over the weekend revealing thatת even in a country considered very friendly to Israel, there has been a sharp spike in antisemitic incidents since the October 7 Hamas massacre. The report shows that in 2024 there were 4,694 antisemitic incidents in the country, compared with 4,328 in 2023 — when the number of incidents was already about 90 % higher than in 2022.
In an interview with ynet, Chabad emissary in Prague, Mendy Barash, talked about the data.
“The figures may be surprising, because until now in the Czech Republic no antisemitic cases had been recorded — neither physical nor online," he pointed out. "Czechia remained the most friendly, respectful and loving country toward Israelis and Jews. Of course there are extremists here and there, as happens throughout Europe and the world, and these events increase from time to time. Nevertheless, you can walk the streets in security, without fear and without a feeling of threat.”
He suggested that some of the antisemitic incidents might not originate with long‑term Czech residents. “We must remember that Czechia is one of the European Union countries, and therefore there are no clear borders with neighboring states. We have migrants here, and many students arriving from different countries — from the East and also from Germany and Sweden. It is possible that this has some impact to a degree. That said, the ordinary Czech residents remain loving and respectful, and they are definitely on our side," he said.
He added that attention should be paid to the younger generation in the country, who may be influenced in higher‑education institutions by antisemitic actors, similar to what happens in the United States.
Barash further said that he received responses from Jews living in the Czech Republic after the report’s publication.
“One cannot ignore the report, and so there are security and protection measures which are required. However, there are no real or tangible threats, and there is full cooperation between the government, the police and the Jewish community. Overall, as I also say, we feel safe here, and our neighbors — those we know — respect and love us very much," he added.
Lennon Qualmann, an Israeli resident of Prague for the past two years, also said that Israelis can feel very safe in the country.
“I can say the Czech people really love us. Many times I sat in cafés and spoke Hebrew with friends, and an older couple came up to us and showed their support, even giving a hug — something that doesn’t happen in other parts of Europe," he described. "That said, there are some younger Czechs who are a little more confused in terms of their history. When [pro Croation soccer player] Modrić won in New York they wrote – ‘we wish we had such a leader in Czechia.' They are not always aware of their background from the communist era and mainly want to integrate.”
He added that he sometimes encounters anti‑Israeli questions, for example about soldiers’ actions. “It’s not always a pleasant critique, but overall they accept the fact we are here,” he said.
According to Qualmann, Czechia may be one of the only states in Europe still considered especially friendly to Israel.
“I feel very safe here. I know students and friends who walk around with the Star of David openly, and that in cities like Germany, the Netherlands or the UK would generate much more criticism or reaction. Here they do it without fear, and I myself feel completely safe," he asserted.
Petr Papousek, head of the Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic, said of the report’s publication: “My country is no exception to a ‘global explosive wave of antisemitism which erupted immediately after the October 7 Hamas attack.”
Papousek said that antisemitism, especially in the form of demonization of the State of Israel, has become a socially accepted attitude dominating public space.
“The attacks show ‘an unprecedented synergy’ between the far right, the far left, Islamism and disinformation media. The unifying element is hatred of Israel, which works with the motives, narratives, conspiracies and myths of traditional antisemitism," he said.
The report also reveals key statistics: nearly 96 % of the incidents occurred online, primarily on social media. But four cases of physical attacks were also logged in 2024 — a record for the country, compared to zero physical attacks in 2023. All were linked to the Middle East conflict. In addition, there were 12 cases of desecration of Jewish cemeteries or monuments and damage to other sites, double the figure of the previous year.