Unwelcome in Europe: The Alarming Rise of Antisemitism Against Israelis

Israeli tourists strolling through Paris didn’t expect a café waitress to refuse their order, muttering in French, “Free Gaza.” In the UK, visitors encountered vandalized bicycles covered in antisemitic slogans. At a major European airport, an Israeli family was harassed by pro-Palestinian demonstrators. These are no longer isolated incidents. Increasingly, Israelis and Jews traveling across Europe are facing hostility, hate speech, and intimidation, and the phenomenon is spreading rapidly.

Anti-Semitism on the Rise

“We began noticing a shift as soon as international travel resumed,” says Sasha Roitman, CEO of the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM). “People were eager to travel again after a long hiatus, only to discover a harsh new reality.”

“In recent weeks, anti-Jewish graffiti and slogans have appeared across Europe, even in places we never expected. Graffiti in city centers is nothing new, but now we are seeing it in forests, resorts, and vacation destinations. It is spreading with unprecedented speed. A slogan like ‘Death to the IDF,’ which began at a performance in England, quickly appeared across multiple countries.”

Is the situation worse than in the past?
“I think it is different in nature. Previously, antisemitism was directed primarily at local Jewish communities. Today, with hundreds of thousands of Israelis traveling throughout Europe, there is a new target. Cities like Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris are seen as opportunities to intimidate Israelis directly and make them feel unwelcome.”

A Coordinated Campaign

Roitman emphasizes an important distinction: “Despite the seriousness of the situation, we are not seeing widespread physical violence. Incidents do occur, but overall, violence is limited, largely due to strong police presence and surveillance. Physical attacks would undermine the narrative many activists are trying to promote, which is to gain sympathy through humanitarian messaging.”

“During a recent visit to Brussels, the atmosphere was deeply disturbing,” he adds. “You can’t walk a few streets without seeing slogans like ‘From the river to the sea.’ This wave is unprecedented in scale. It is not only social, it has political consequences. It influences public opinion, pressures businesses to sever ties with Israel, pushes the EU to reconsider agreements, and encourages some governments to recognize a Palestinian state.”

How are Jewish communities in Europe coping?
“They respond through legal means and peaceful demonstrations, but they are often vastly outnumbered. In Belgium, for example, there are about 30,000 Jews. Even if 3,000 attend a rally, they face crowds of 80,000 pro-Palestinian protesters. The broader strategy is clear: to isolate Israel, much like South Africa once was.”

Come to Israel

“The concern is real,” Roitman says. “Hamas has been extremely effective in shaping global perception, portraying Israel negatively in the eyes of many. Militarily, Israel has achieved significant goals, but in the arena of public opinion, the other side has gained ground. That kind of isolation is dangerous.”

Should people avoid traveling to Europe?
“I wouldn’t go that far. Physical violence remains relatively rare, and European authorities are working to address the issue. Embassies also provide support. Still, caution is wise: avoid drawing attention in hostile areas, consider wearing a cap instead of a kippah, and be mindful about speaking Hebrew in certain environments.”

What message do you have for Jews abroad who are considering moving to Israel?
“Many Jews in the diaspora didn’t grow up with the resilience Israelis develop. My message is clear: don’t assume this will pass. History shows that waiting too long is a mistake. Jews have never truly been secure in exile. The difference today is that we finally have a homeland. Even with challenges, Israel is home. If safety matters to you, come to Israel. You will be welcomed.”