In a troubling development, the Czech Republic witnessed a staggering 90% increase in antisemitic incidents in 2023, according to a report by the Federation of Jewish Communities. The organization recorded 4,328 antisemitic incidents last year, a significant jump from 2,277 in the previous year.
The vast majority of these incidents, approximately 98%, occurred in the virtual realm, particularly on social media platforms. Despite the alarming increase in online hate speech, physical violence against Jews remains rare in the Czech Republic, with no violent attacks reported in 2023.
The surge in antisemitic incidents was particularly pronounced in the latter part of the year. While the period from January to September saw a 50% increase compared to the previous year, the months of October to December experienced a dramatic 254% spike. This sharp rise coincided with the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas on October 7, 2023.
The report highlights a concerning trend of what it terms “new antisemitism” – anti-Jewish hatred directed against Israel. These incidents saw a 208% year-on-year increase, accounting for roughly a third of all recorded antisemitic acts.
Despite the unsettling statistics, the Federation of Jewish Communities maintains that the Czech Republic remains safe for its Jewish community. However, the organization emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and efforts to combat antisemitism in all its forms.