Message #55440

[Psalm 51:17]

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/190432#.VMZI-jKvW4N
1/25/15
Report: France the Most Dangerous Country for Jews

Anti-Semitism Report for 2014, chronicling anti-Semitic incidents worldwide, will be presented during PM's Cabinet meeting Sunday.

The Anti-Semitism Report for 2014 will be presented Sunday during Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's weekly Cabinet meeting, Channel 2 News reported.

The Chairman of the World Zionist Organization, Avraham Duvdevani and WZO's Department for Countering Anti-Semitism, Yaakov Haguel, will present the report as well as a comprehensive questionnaire conducted among Diaspora Jews.

The report contains an overview of anti-Semitic incidents worldwide in 2014 as well as documents the main issues faced by Jewish communities in the Diaspora.

According to the report, 2014 saw a significant increase in anti-Semitic incidents, including violent attacks against Jews. Additionally, the report found, local governments are not doing enough to eradicate the incidents and violence.

July and August particularly saw a 400% increase in anti-Semitic incidents from 2013 - as a result of Operation Protective Edge.

"The war in Gaza was the trigger to express hatred for Israel and release the reins from anti-Semitism," said Roger Cukierman, the president of the Representative Council of Jewish Organizations in France and the Vice Chairman of the World Jewish Congress.

"Almost immediately, criticism of Israel or opposition to the war turned into sweeping calls against the Jews."

The report also notes that 2014 showed a marked increase in terrorism as well as violent attacks against Jewish targets, committed primarily by perpetrators affiliated with Islamic or radical movements.

Islamic anti-Semitism has become the leading form of anti-Semitism in the West. In fact, many of the reported anti-Semitic incidents were committed by Muslims, especially in countries with large Muslim populations.

Hate speech and anti-Semitism online and on social media has also become a worsening trend. Holocaust denial is extensive online and many websites are being used as a breeding ground for hate.

The report also notes that the world-wide campaign (through boycotts and other measures) to delegitimize and demonize Israel poses a major threat to Jewish communities around the world, including Israel's.

Another troubling finding is the alarming rise in cases of anti-Semitic violence across Europe.

France is currently ranked as the most dangerous country for Jews. Anti-Semitic incidents rose 100% in France with half of the incidents classified as "racist" being directed against Jews, even though Jews make up less than one percent of the population in the country.

Anti-Semitic violence is up in Great Britain and the Netherlands as well. In Germany, the number of anti-Semitic incidents doubled in 2014. In Belgium, 30% of citizens hold anti-Semitic views.

Anti-Semitism is also a huge problem in South America with more than 50% of respondents to the questionnaire stating that they or someone they know has experienced anti-Semitism.

Most incidents in South America are not violent, but a large percentage of Jews still fear walking around with Jewish symbols and have no faith in the government system to report incidents.

Haguel stated, "We have recently seen a significant increase in manifestations of anti-Semitism around the world."

"The government of Israel must advance the fight against anti-Semitism around the world and strengthen the Jews in the Diaspora."

"We cannot remain indifferent to the phenomenon of Jews being targeted simply because they are Jews. We cannot let the events of the past repeat themselves."