The Jewish Diaspora is in Danger

Attacks on synagogues, assaults in the streets, hate speech, intimidation of Jewish business owners, and large-scale political demonstrations have once again raised alarms about the growing insecurity faced by Jewish communities in various parts of the world.

In recent years, especially following the events of October 7, 2023, Jewish organizations and monitoring bodies have recorded a significant increase in antisemitic incidents across multiple countries. The situation has become a major concern for community leaders, who see an increasingly hostile environment for Jews in Europe, the United States, and parts of Latin America.

Europe: Rising Tensions and Growing Insecurity

Several European countries, including France, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Albania, have witnessed large public mobilizations involving labor unions, student movements, political groups, and civil society organizations.

While many of these demonstrations were driven by concerns related to the cost of living, education, and public policy, observers note that in some cases radical rhetoric and antisemitic incidents have become part of the landscape.

In France, home to one of Europe’s largest Jewish communities, recent events have sparked particular concern. According to information released by community protection organizations, a synagogue in northern Paris was targeted during unrest in the capital, while businesses owned by Jewish individuals were also attacked and vandalized.

The protests mobilized hundreds of thousands of people across different regions of the country. In addition to damage to public and private property, clashes with security forces left numerous people injured and resulted in thousands of arrests.

For many European Jewish families, the issue is no longer merely political. Concern for personal safety and the preservation of communal life has become a constant reality.

United States: Alarming Figures

In the United States, the rise in antisemitic incidents has also drawn significant attention.

In 2024, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recorded 9,354 incidents, the highest number since the organization began tracking such data. The increase was driven by threats against Jewish institutions, acts of vandalism, harassment, and incidents linked to anti-Israel demonstrations on university campuses and in public spaces.

In 2025, the ADL recorded 6,274 incidents, representing a 33% decrease compared to the previous year. Despite the decline, the total remained far above pre-2023 levels, making 2025 one of the most severe years on record.

The organization also highlighted a particularly troubling trend: while cases of harassment and vandalism declined, physical attacks increased and reached record levels.

Among the most serious incidents recorded in 2025 were armed attacks, arson-related assaults, and violent attacks against individuals identified as Jewish. According to the ADL, three people were killed in incidents classified as antisemitic during the year.

The period between 2023 and 2025 has been described by several Jewish organizations as one of the most challenging eras for the American Jewish community in recent decades.

Brazil: Growing Concern

In Brazil, antisemitism has also shown significant growth.

According to the 2025 Annual Report on Antisemitism in Brazil, published by the Brazilian Israelite Confederation (CONIB), 989 formal incidents were recorded throughout the year.

Although lower than the peak observed in 2024, when more than 1,700 incidents were documented, the figure remains 149% higher than in 2022, when 397 cases were recorded.

The report describes the emergence of a “new normal,” characterized by substantially higher levels of hostility than those observed before the war between Israel and Hamas.

Beyond incidents recorded on social media, community organizations point to the growing presence of extremist rhetoric and the normalization of anti-Jewish narratives within certain political and ideological circles.

Relations between the Brazilian government and segments of the Jewish community have also experienced moments of tension in recent years. Statements made by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva regarding the conflict in the Middle East were strongly criticized by representative Jewish organizations, which viewed them as offensive and detrimental to efforts to combat antisemitism.

A Global Challenge

The growth of antisemitism across different continents suggests the emergence of a global phenomenon that demands attention from authorities, civil society, and democratic leaders.

History shows that periods of social instability, political polarization, and ideological radicalization often create conditions that enable hatred toward minorities to spread. Jews, unfortunately, continue to be among the groups most vulnerable to this process.

In light of this reality, strengthening policies to combat antisemitism, protecting community institutions, and defending religious freedom without compromise have become increasingly essential.

For many Jews in the diaspora, Israel remains an important guarantee of refuge and national self-determination. At the same time, Jewish communities around the world remain committed to preserving their historical presence, identity, and contributions to the societies in which they live.

The challenge in the years ahead will be to ensure that Jews can continue to live in safety, dignity, and freedom, regardless of the country in which they choose to build their lives.