Antisemitism 'widespread' in Europe, report shows

  • 2013-11-11
  • By Rayyan Sabet-Parry, RIGA

More needs to be done to combat antisemitism in Europe, a new report shows

Research from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Human Rights (FRA) shows that antisemitism is still widespread in Europe, particularly online abuse. 

The report covered responses from 5,847 Jewish people in the eight countries in which some 90% of the estimated Jewish population in the EU live.

Around 75% said they believed online antisemitism was a problem in their countries. The figures also show 21% of people suffered antisemitic incidents whilst a majority did not not report them.

In Latvia, eight percent of people said they were affected by the Israeli-Arab conflict, research also shows. 

“Antisemitism is a disturbing example of how prejudice can persist through the centuries, and it has no place in our society today," said FRA Director Morten Kjaerum. 

"It is particularly distressing to see that the internet, which should be a tool for communication and dialogue, is being used as an instrument of antisemitic harassment. 

“While many EU governments have made great efforts to combat antisemitism, more targeted measures are needed.”

For more information visit  http:fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2013/discrimination-and-hate-crime-against-jews-eu-member-states-experiences-and