The number of anti-Semitic incidents in Bavaria rose significantly last year. A sharp increase was recorded, especially after the Hamas massacre in Israel on October 7, 2023, said Bavarian Social Minister Ulrike Scharf (CSU) on Monday. The number of reported incidents in Bavaria rose by 73 percent – to around 730, based on the previous year’s figures. “The figures are alarming and dismaying.” Scharf referred to figures from the Federal Association of Research and Information Centers on Anti-Semitism (Rias), which plans to announce its figures on Tuesday.
In 2022, Rias registered 422 anti-Semitic incidents in Bavaria. However, the association assumes that the number of unreported cases is high. The incidents included three attacks on Jewish people, 13 threats, 30 cases of property damage and 350 cases of offensive behavior that do not always constitute a criminal offense. After the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, the numbers rose sharply. Within two months, 148 anti-Semitic incidents were documented in Bavaria, 2.85 times as many cases as in the same period last year.
Scharf called on people to take active steps against all forms of anti-Semitism. “Anti-Semitism and hatred of Jews are not a problem for Jews, but for society as a whole.” A living culture of remembrance is needed that leaves no room for silence, turning a blind eye and repression. “In these turbulent times,” prevention work is more important than ever, Scharf stressed. She is particularly focused on the younger generation. “Extremist and anti-Semitic attitudes have no place in the Free State.”
You can report anti-Semitic incidents to Rias Bayern, even those below the criminal threshold. The research and information center has existed since 2019 and is funded by, among others, the Bavarian Ministry of Social Affairs.