The Surge of Antisemitism After October 7: A Global Crisis

The events of October 7, when Hamas launched a violent attack on Israel, reverberated far beyond the immediate geopolitical landscape. In the aftermath of this brutal assault, Jewish communities around the world have been facing a resurgence of antisemitism that has shocked many in its intensity and scope.

Through my podcast, 36 Minutes on Antisemitism, I recently spoke with Ludovic Hood, Senior Advisor to the US Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, and Katharina von Schnurbein, European Commission Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life. Our discussions highlighted the disturbing rise in antisemitism following the attack, a theme further explored during the “Program on Extremism 9th Annual Conference: The Surge and Change of Antisemitism after October 7” in Milan earlier this year. The conversations and the conference shed light on the global dimensions of this hatred and the urgent need to address it.

“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews,” Hood explained, quoting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition. This widely accepted definition, although non-binding, serves as a critical tool for identifying and addressing antisemitism. It has been adopted by over 40 UN member states and remains an essential guide for educational and legal frameworks combatting the rise of hate. Von Schnurbein stressed the importance of the IHRA definition within the European Union’s strategy, noting its utility in defining and combating antisemitic incidents.

The Hamas attack on Israel was followed by an unsettling surge of antisemitic incidents, particularly in Europe and North America. Hood recounted how, in the immediate aftermath, pro-Hamas demonstrations were accompanied by antisemitic slogans and imagery that left Jewish communities feeling vulnerable and under siege. “The attack triggered an outbreak of antisemitism that stunned most people,” Hood noted, pointing out that the global response to the attack laid bare existing undercurrents of antisemitic sentiment.

Von Schnurbein echoed this, describing a wave of unprecedented violence against Jews. “We saw Jews being targeted simply for being Jewish, with civilians subjected to physical violence, sexual abuse, and kidnappings — all of which were disturbingly celebrated in various parts of the world.” She emphasized that the need for robust, unified action to confront these incidents is more critical than ever.

The latest Annual Report on Antisemitism Worldwide from Tel Aviv University and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) confirms this trend. The report documented a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents across the globe in 2023, with the months following October 7 seeing an alarming escalation. In major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, anti-Jewish hate crimes spiked, leaving Jewish communities feeling increasingly unsafe. Across Europe, the pattern was equally stark: in France, the UK, and Germany, antisemitic acts soared, mirroring the unsettling trend observed in the United States.

Governments, while responding, have not acted uniformly. Some leaders have used inflammatory rhetoric that has only fueled the rising tide of hate. The challenge is not only political but also profoundly social, as antisemitic attitudes continue to spread through online platforms and mainstream discourse.

Diplomatically, the fight against antisemitism is complex. Hood described the tools used by the US Special Envoy’s office, which include encouraging countries to appoint national coordinators and develop targeted strategies to tackle antisemitism. These efforts also involve multilateral engagement with organizations such as the European Commission and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Von Schnurbein underscored the EU’s role, which involves dialogue with Jewish communities, fostering policy proposals, and implementing the EU’s 2021 strategy for combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life.

In the Middle East, the situation is both challenging and complex. Progress has been made in some Arab countries, particularly after the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several states. These agreements have facilitated more productive conversations aimed at reducing antisemitic content in media and educational systems. However, Hood acknowledged that the ongoing conflict in Gaza has stalled some initiatives, though diplomatic channels remain open.

Education, civil society engagement, and proactive prevention are all critical components in the fight against antisemitism. Hood highlighted the need for integrating Jewish history and culture into national curricula as a way to counter prejudice and misinformation. Von Schnurbein also advocated for empathy-driven educational programs that go beyond Holocaust education to address the long history of Jewish life and the modern manifestations of antisemitism.

One of the most visible battlegrounds for these issues has been university campuses, where debates over free speech and hate speech have become particularly fraught. Hood was transparent that while criticism of Israeli government policies is not inherently antisemitic, some campus slogans and chants have crossed the line into hate speech. Von Schnurbein noted similar challenges in Europe, where Jewish students are often pressured to renounce Zionism or face social exclusion.

Hood and von Schnurbein emphasized the importance of sustained and coordinated efforts to combat antisemitism. Hood urged policymakers to take firm and unequivocal stands against antisemitism, fostering education and understanding to break down prejudice. Von Schnurbein stressed the need for legal, educational, and social measures to protect Jewish communities and ensure all minorities can thrive in democratic societies.

The conversations I had with Hood and von Schnurbein reveal a disturbing yet familiar reality: antisemitism remains a pervasive and dangerous force in many parts of the world. However, there is hope for combating this ancient hatred through diplomacy, education, and civil society engagement. The strategies outlined by these experts offer a roadmap for policymakers, academics, and citizens alike, reminding us that combating antisemitism is not just about protecting Jewish communities — it is about safeguarding the very principles of democracy and equality. As the world grapples with this renewed wave of antisemitism, the need for vigilance, action, and solidarity has never been more urgent.