Since the Hamas terror attack of October 7th, 2023, Austria has been experiencing a wave of antisemitism unseen in decades. According to the Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG), hatred of Jews has become alarmingly common, driven primarily by perpetrators from the far-left and Muslim communities.
In the first half of 2025, the IKG recorded 726 antisemitic incidents—more than double the number before the October 7th pogrom. Although slightly fewer than in 2024 (808), the figures remain alarmingly high. IKG President Oskar Deutsch warned: “The Antisemitic tsunami has become a continuous flood.”
Most incidents were attributed to left-wing extremists (202 cases), followed by Muslim perpetrators (195), while 147 originated from the right-wing spectrum. In 182 cases, no clear political motive could be established.
Hatred of Israel dominates the statistics: around 80% of all incidents were Israel-related, often involving the justification of terrorism and open glorification of Hamas. In 77 cases, direct calls for violence against Jews were documented.
The IKG notes that antisemitic narratives have increasingly shifted to the far left, where anti-Israel activism is presented as “resistance.” Groups such as Palestine Solidarity Austria have played a central role in spreading this rhetoric. According to the IKG, these circles frequently reinterpret or relativize the Holocaust—equating Israel with Nazi Germany.
Physical attacks have also risen, particularly in the summer months. Of the 726 cases, five involved assaults, eight threats, and 78 property damage. “Antisemitic attacks have become a constant burden,” said IKG Secretary General Benjamin Nägele, emphasizing that many victims no longer report incidents.
Rising antisemitism is not limited to Austria. Across Europe, similar patterns are emerging—in Germany, Jewish families are telling their children not to reveal their identity at school. Students hide Star of David necklaces before stepping onto campus. Worshippers take detours on their way to the synagogue.
In the Netherlands, students have launched hotlines to report campus antisemitism, as many Jewish students feel unsafe, isolated, and excluded at the university.
