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Digital Library

Comprehensive Three-Dimensional Anti-Semitism Index

Topic:

Antisemitism & Antizionism, Israel & Regional Politics, Jewish Diaspora & Interfaith Relations

Principal Investigators:

Dr. Dov Maimon

Study Date: 

2019

Source:

Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI)

Key Findings:

Since its launch in 2014, the JPPI index has witnessed changes reflecting the resurgence of structural antisemitism in Arab, European, and North American countries. The role of this report is to synthesize key changes in the three indicators of the index, provide a diagnostic summary of transformative trends of antisemitism worldwide, identify critical developments to monitor, and offer policy-makers a meta-analysis and a set of recommendations.


Two concerning trends requiring immediate attention are: (1) the infiltration of antisemitism in Britain's Labour Party, which poses a threat to the future of British Jewry, and (2) the deadly mass shootings by white supremacists in US synagogues, which inspire similar attacks.


European data from an FRA survey indicates higher rates of witnessed incidents, concerns for friends and family, concealment of Jewish identity, dissatisfaction with government efforts, and contemplation of emigration due to feelings of insecurity. Both visible and concealed forms of antisemitism hinder the participation of Jewish communities in broader society and discourage Jewish engagement in local Jewish communal life. 


Illustrative data highlights the increasing antisemitic incidents in France, the importation of antisemitic prejudices by Muslim migrants in Germany, the institutional antisemitism within the British Labour Party, and the rise of nationalism, denial of Jewish rights in Eastern Europe (especially Ukraine), and a lack of awareness and knowledge about the Holocaust in various countries (especially Austria). Notably, the percentage of Muslims in the population seems to be the primary indicator of Jewish community sustainability in continental Europe, despite the presence of Muslim activists combating antisemitism.


The rate of antisemitic incidents in North America is significantly lower than in Europe or the Arab world. However, in the United States, there has been an increase in emboldened antisemitic sentiments among right-wing extremists, as well as a rise in anti-Zionist antisemitic views on the left. Similar anti-Israel hostilities faced by Jewish students in Europe two decades ago are now emerging among those on American campuses. Further concerning indicators include public questioning of American Jews' allegiance, the rise of anti-Zionist activists within the Democratic Party, increases in anti-Jewish harassment and incidents, and the presence of antisemitic tropes in mainstream discourse.


One positive development is the decline in world media interest in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as major international media outlets have closed their Israel offices and recalled their correspondents. This reduced coverage may lead to lower one-sided, excessive coverage that has contributed to anti-Israel propaganda and the propagation of anti-Jewish discourse. 


It is also important to note that discrimination is legally prohibited across Western countries, state-sponsored antisemitism is rare, the rule of law is generally respected, and the existence of the State of Israel has positively impacted Jewish communities in challenging environments.


The recommendations to the Government of Israel include implementing special programs to attract European Jews in high-demand occupations, establishing vocational guidance centers in cities with immigrant populations, providing training for Israeli politicians on addressing Diaspora communities effectively, and adopting guiding principles in relationships with European countries ruled by far-right parties.


The recommendations to Communal Leaders in North America suggest providing security training for young activists, fostering interfaith programs to build trust and understanding, and maintaining a balanced approach to security measures while preserving the bonds within the Jewish community.


These recommendations aim to address various challenges, such as encouraging Jewish migration to Israel, supporting immigrants' integration, promoting constructive dialogue, and ensuring appropriate security measures without compromising community cohesion.

Methodology:

JPPI’s Anti-Semitism Index on Europe is presented in this report. The index aims to measure the discomfort of European Jewry and the threat levels against it. This integrated index, meant as a tool for policy-makers, relates to three complementary dimensions of anti-Semitism affecting individual Jews and communal Jewish life. 

 

The integrative index compiles existing data collected globally by: (1) the Anti-Defamation League and locally (by others such as CNN, Eurobarometer, IFOP, UEJF, JPR) (2) antisemitic harassment figures collected by local Jewish organizations and governmental agencies entrusted with security (such as CST in UK, SPCJ in France, and various specialized governmental agencies), and (3) findings regarding perceptions of antisemitism among Jews (FRA, AJC and JPPI’s survey).

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