Caught Off Guard: Israeli Tourists Face Rising Anti-Semitism in Europe

Israeli tourists strolling through Paris didn’t expect a café waitress to refuse their order, muttering in French, "Free Gaza." In the UK, a group encountered vandalized bikes with anti-Semitic slogans, and at a major European airport, an Israeli family endured taunts and harassment from pro-Palestinian demonstrators. These are just some recent examples of a troubling reality where thousands of Israelis and Jews visiting Europe face hate speech and harassment, spreading rapidly. ### Anti-Semitism on the Rise "We began noticing changes as soon as international travel resumed, right after the conflict in Iran," observes Sasha Roitman, CEO of the Organization for Combating Anti-Semitism. "People finally got a chance to travel after a long hiatus, only to be confronted with a harsh reality." "For weeks, anti-Jewish graffiti and slogans have appeared everywhere across Europe—even in places we never expected. While city center graffiti is nothing new, we now see this in forests and holiday destinations, spreading with unprecedented speed and reach, like the slogan 'Death to the IDF,' which originated from a performance in England and rapidly dispersed across Europe." **Do you think the situation is worse than in the past?** "I believe it’s different in nature. Previously, anti-Semitism targeted local Jewish communities, but now, with half a million Israelis visiting Europe at any given moment, the other side sees opportunities to target Israelis directly. Anti-Semites view Israelis frequenting places like Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris as a chance to make them feel unwelcome." ### Non-Violent Campaigns Roitman clarifies an important point: "Despite the seriousness, unlike in the past, we don’t see much physical violence. While some incidents occur, generally, the absence of violence is due to high police presence and surveillance. Acts of violence would go against the narrative they’re creating, which is to foster sympathy for Palestinians through a refugee campaign." "Visiting Brussels recently provided a grim outlook," warns Roitman. "It’s impossible to ignore graffiti like 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free' everywhere. Such anti-Semitic waves are unprecedented, even among Palestinians themselves. It politically reinforces pro-Palestinian sentiments, impacting business deals with Israel, urging the EU to reconsider agreements, and prompting several nations to recognize a Palestinian state." **What about the Jewish communities in Europe? How are they coping?** "They try to respond within legal bounds and peaceful protests, but they’re always outnumbered. For example, with 30,000 Jews in Belgium, even if 3,000 show up for a protest, they are overshadowed by 80,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators. The strategy aims to isolate Israel, as South Africa once was." ### "Come to Israel" "The concern is immense," concludes Roitman, "as Hamas's hunger campaign effectively paints Israel in a negative light, leading many to view it as unworthy among nations. This isolation can be perilous for Israel. While our military objectives were met, the public narrative was won by Hamas, with growing global support." **Given the situation, should people avoid traveling to Europe?** "I don't suggest avoiding travel entirely; physical violence is rare. Authorities in Europe are tackling these issues, and our embassies provide protection. Still, blend in—wear a cap instead of a kippah and avoid speaking Hebrew in particularly anti-Semitic areas." **What advice do you give to Jews living abroad considering moving to Israel?** "Diaspora Jews didn’t grow up activists and lack the resilience we have as Israelis. My message is clear: Don’t assume these trends will fade—they will intensify. History teaches us not to wait and be the last to leave. Jews have never truly belonged in the diaspora, unlike in the past, we now have a state, even amidst crises. Prioritize your safety—come to Israel, where we’ll welcome you with open arms."