Article Library / 2015

2014-2015 Annual Assessment

A simple look at data showing either a rise or drop in anti-Semitic incidents does not provide a wide enough picture about the state of anti-Semitism. One also needs to take into account the nature and distribution of incidents. Thus, for example, if most anti-Semitic acts are carried out by a small group in a specific area, one cannot claim that the entire Jewish population is threatened. Naturally, the approach will differ if violence against Jews is widespread throughout a country, or committed by a large number of actors. Similarly, a singular terrorist act in a specific city is not the same as a situation in which hundreds of extremist jihadi fighters return from the Middle East to their European places of residence and are absorbed with open arms into the local Muslim community. When we observe a significant number of resentful anti-Jewish youngsters, even if the highly reputed Pew survey indicates a very low level of negative attitudes among the general population (11 percent in France), Jewish policy planners would be irresponsible if they told the local Jews there was no need for worry and that they can feel safe in their home country.

Previous
Next