Antisemitic Crimes in Germany Reach Record High

The number of antisemitic crimes in Germany rose to 670 in 2025, the highest recorded, according to data obtained by German newspaper Welt am Sonntag.

The offenses include insults, threats, graffiti, and acts of violence, with nearly half of the 2025 incidents involving symbols of banned organizations such as Hezbollah and Islamic State.

In February 2025, a Syrian man attempted to murder a Spanish tourist at Berlin’s Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe with a knife attack.

Josef Schuster, president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, stated that antisemitic hostility is becoming more visible in public life, including on the streets, at universities, and online.

German officials have highlighted existing initiatives to combat antisemitism, such as the German Islam Conference, which brings together government representatives and Muslim organizations.

The conference, established in 2006, has focused on combating antisemitism and improving Jewish-Muslim relations since 2011. Parliamentary State Secretary Christoph de Vries noted efforts to empower Muslim groups and foster dialogue.

Following the October 7 attack on Israel, the conference expanded its focus on preventing antisemitism, including initiatives to address online Jew-hatred and promote Jewish-Muslim dialogue.