On November 7, a group in Amsterdam demonstrated aggression towards Jews following a soccer match involving an Israeli team. This incident was described by Israeli President Isaac Herzog as an “antisemitic pogrom.” Tragically, five individuals were hospitalized after being targeted during the violent outbursts. The unrest continued, with rioters setting a tram on fire around November 11, which drew greater attention to the rising antisemitism in Europe.
Rabbi Abraham Cooper from the Simon Wiesenthal Center expressed concern, noting that they rarely issue travel advisories but felt it necessary for Amsterdam in light of these events. He highlighted that many parts of Western Europe currently pose a risk to Jewish individuals, suggesting that local governments have not adequately ensured the safety and rights of Jewish communities.
The rise in antisemitic incidents in Europe has escalated significantly since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. Reports indicate an alarming increase in such occurrences: an 800% rise in Sweden, alongside notable increases in Spain, the Netherlands, the UK, and France. The turmoil in Amsterdam has sparked further anti-Jewish sentiment across Europe, with Belgian authorities recently arresting individuals who promoted a “Jew Hunt” on social media in Antwerp.
In Greece, recent protests became dangerously intense, leading the Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry to warn citizens to stay away from the embassy and certain urban areas known for tensions. Several individuals were also considered for deportation from Greece for their disruptive protest activities earlier this year.
Reports indicate that antisemitic sentiments are permeating society more broadly. In Berlin, a youth soccer team faced a violent mob that wielded knives and screamed “Free Palestine.” The chief of police in Berlin advised residents from Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities to exercise caution in particular neighborhoods.
Rabbi Cooper noted that Jewish people are increasingly resorting to self-censorship for their safety. Many avoid wearing symbols that identify them as Jewish in public due to fear of backlash. This trend has been documented in various countries including the Netherlands and France, where Jews are removing mezuzahs from their doors and even changing their names to avoid harassment.
The situation has led to a heightened sense of unease, with many Jewish citizens feeling pressured to alter their lifestyles to avoid being identified as Jewish, particularly in the wake of numerous antisemitic incidents.
As this wave of hostility spreads across Europe, the U.S. State Department has been asked about the possibility of issuing travel advisories for Jewish American travelers. A spokesperson reiterated their commitment to providing clear and timely information for U.S. citizens, encouraging them to use the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for safety updates.
Despite rising concerns, the latest travel advisories from the Netherlands and other Western European countries do not mention antisemitic threats specifically, focusing instead on general terrorism risks. Rabbi Cooper emphasized the need for international cooperation to combat antisemitism and protect Jewish communities globally.
