Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center
at the Center for Special Studies (C.S.S)
Report on Anti-Semitism for 2004

Released by Minister Natan Sharansky
(on January 23, 2004 in Jerusalem)

I Key Points

1. Anti-Semitic expression has grown over recent years, in comparison with the years prior to the advent of the terrorist war against Israel that began in 2000. The number of violent events is gradually increasing. ("Violent events" includes intent to attack Jewish facilities; physical assaults against Jews; stabbings and other attacks, desecration of synagogues and cemeteries, etc.)
2. The greatest number of events and the most severe attacks occur in Europe.
3. Most of the attacks against Jews and Jewish facilities were carried out by Islamic elements. Radical and violent Islam has become a pan-European problem; of which anti-Semitism is but a part. There is also a certain increase in extreme right-wing activity.
4. Incitement against Israel and anti-Semitic propaganda is increasingly acceptable in intellectual and other circles. Extreme anti-Israeli expression in the media continues to grow, feeding both right- and left-wing anti-Semites.
5. The extreme left has turned university campuses into a base for anti-Semitic agitation.
6. The position adopted by countries regarding Israel and the Arab-Israel conflict inevitably has a significant effect on anti-Semitic activity in that country.
7. On the other hand, 2004 saw the adoption of intensive measures to counter anti-Semitism by governments and regional organizations.
8. Improved law enforcement in some European countries and sustained educational efforts against anti-Semitism should assist in reducing anti-Semitism over the long-term. More balance in approach to the Arab-Israel conflict is needed too.


II Specific Countries
1.

Russia and Ukraine
A disturbing situation: the number of violent anti-Semitic events, mainly perpetrated by the extreme right, has increased significantly. Woefully insufficient governmental response.

2.

France
The number of reported events is similar to previous years. Since the middle of 2004, anti-Semitic expressions have somewhat declined. For the first time since the current wave of anti-Semitism began, Jews were assaulted with weapons (knives). Muslim anti-Jewish and viciously anti-Israel incitement has increased. Over the past year, French authorities have invested significant effort in fighting, and educating against, anti-Semitism.

3.

Britain
An alarming situation: steep increase in the number and severity of events, including physical harassment, desecration of synagogues and cemeteries, threats and propaganda – continuing into 2005. Many of the desecrations perpetrated by Islamists. A central cause: years of hostile reporting and commentary about Israel in the UK press now is spilling-over into the street.

4. Sweden
Anti-Semitic events have become more severe, even though the numbers have not increased. The attackers are inspired by unrestrained anti-Israel propaganda (with anti-Semitic overtones) -- peddled by the media, church and government.


III Statistics

Note: These statistics have been collected by the Global Forum Against Anti-Semitism, based on reliable reports from Jewish communities and government agencies. These figures indicate basic trends, as presented above. However, discrepancies may exist in data reported by different agencies and not all figures are final.


Country

2003

2004

Britain

55

77 *

Holland

1

2

Sweden

8 0

9

Belgium

11

9

France

96

96

Germany

12

8

Austria

6

0

Spain

0

7

Ukraine

15

44

Russia

4

55

Czech Republic

0

16

Argentina

2

1

Brazil

1

3

USA

4

3

Canada

2

2

Australia

12

10

New Zealand

1

3

South Africa

4

0

TOTAL

234

282
See also:
Israel charts anti-Semitism rise in Russia, Britain (Reuters 23/01/2005)
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530846.html

Anti-Semitic attacks up 50 percent (Jerusalem Post, 24.01.05)
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1106450585777

Government report on '04: Anti-Semitic incidents up in UK, Russia (Haaretz 24.01.05)
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/530899.html

 
 
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