While an average of 1.55 incidents were reported in Austria by October 7, 2023, therefollowing it was 8.31. The total number of reported incidents was 1,147 last year, making it a negative record. “A horror number,” said IKG President Oskar Deutsch, summarizing the anti-Semitism reporting center’s annual report presented on Wednesday.
“Unprecedented explosion”
“We are dealing with an unprecedented explosion in anti-Semitic incidents,” said Deutsch. With 1,147 reported cases, the year 2023 dwarfs even the year 2021 (965 incidents), which was characterized by the corona pandemic and associated demonstrations and anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. This year’s value is the highest since recording began in 2008. “But you have to divide the report into two parts. There is the time up to October 7th and the time following,” said Deutsch.
With the exception of the months of January (65) and March (79), the number of incidents last year was quantitatively in line with the long-term monthly average or below it. In September, 24 incidents – “still 24 too many”, as Deutsch emphasized – were the third lowest number since the reporting office was founded. “And then came the frightening months of October to December.” 200 cases were reported in October, 226 in November and 294 in December, more in these three months alone than in the whole of 2022 (719). “But these are only the incidents that were reported to the reporting center,” and the number of unreported cases is likely to be significantly higher.
Number of physical attacks increased
The number of physical attacks has also increased, from 14 to 18. IKG General Secretary Benjamin Nägele recalled the arson attack on the Jewish cemetery in Vienna. The threats fell slightly, from 21 to 18, while the damage to property increased from 122 to 149. However, the vast majority of the reported cases were mass messages (536 cases), especially in connection with the Middle East conflict, and hurtful behavior (426). out of. “Anti-Semitism begins with the thought, is followed by the word and then goes into action (…) Anti-Semitism does not begin with the gas chamber,” said Deutsch.
Ideologically, 34 percent of the cases were from the right, 18 from the left and 25 were Muslim, the report says. Especially when it comes to attacks and threats, Muslim motives clearly predominate; damage to property and hurtful behavior, such as the case of a Hitler speech played in an ÖBB carriage, come largely from the right. “At the end of the day, those affected don’t really care” from which direction the incidents were committed, says Deutsch.
German would like more speed
In connection with anti-Israel demonstrations, Deutsch would like to see faster justice. “Although reports are made once more and once more, it would be important that they also lead to convictions.” “One or two cases” should be dealt with quickly “to show anti-Semites that anti-Semitism is not a trivial offense.”
In addition to recording anti-Semitic incidents, the reporting center offers psychosocial support to those affected and provides legal advice. All incidents that might be criminally relevant are examined by the legal department and, if those affected wish, a report will be filed.
“We won’t let ourselves get down”
Since the attack on Israel by the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas, “the unbearable lightness of being” has disappeared for Jews, and many no longer wear religious symbols out of fear. In the fight once morest anti-Semitism, which is rising around the world, “there is no button that you can press. I can’t advise the government much other than to continue on the path, and relatively quickly,” said Deutsch in response to a journalist’s question. “But we won’t let ourselves get down. Our Jewish life goes on as normal.”
For him, the FPÖ is not credible in the fight once morest anti-Semitism. “The fraternities sit in parliament, the Identitarians are welcomed with open arms. And I don’t want to say anything more regarding them because they aren’t worth it.”
“Appalled but not surprised”
The SPÖ spokeswoman for remembrance culture, Sabine Schatz, said she was “horrified but not surprised” by these figures in a broadcast. “With the strategy once morest anti-Semitism, we have launched a joint action plan, but we must not rest on our laurels, but must sharpen things up if necessary,” demands Schatz. This is also happening at the moment: the federal government is currently working on expanding the national strategy once morest anti-Semitism for the digital space, emphasized Constitutional Minister Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP). “Anti-Semitism, no matter from which corner and in what form, whether imported or traditional, whether online or analogue, has no place here.”
Criticism of the federal government came from the NEOS. “Education is the key to tolerance, acceptance and respectful coexistence. When will this federal government understand that? The ÖVP and the Greens must provide sufficient funds to support schools in the important task of democracy education,” demanded the pink spokeswoman for the interior, Stephanie Krisper.
