Stephen Roth Institute survey says acts of violence against Jews drop 46% last year compared with a 20-year record-high set in 2009 following Gaza war. However, 2010 still has third highest numbers of incidents since late 80s
According to the report, a record high number of 1129 antisemitic incidents were recorded during 2009. The unusually high number was mostly attributed to Operation Cast Lead, which took place that year and prompted antisemitic responses around the globe.
In comparison, only 614 violent occurrences against Jews were recorded the following year – a 46% drop from 2009. Despite the encouraging data, 2010 is still considered the third most violent year since the beginning of the 90s.
Most incidents involved violence against civilians (40%), damage to private property (25%), vandalism targeted against Synagogues (15%) or cemeteries and memorials (15%).
The highest number of incidents was recorded in England, France and Canada, amounting to some 60% of events worldwide. Australia also saw a dramatic rise of 60% in antisemitic-related violence on its street, compared with the previous year.
According to the report, there has also been a growing number of attacks against Jewish sites in Latin America, with Chile – which is home to the fourth larges Palestinian community in the world – at the top of the list.
The authors of the report stated that the media and internet serve as powerful platforms for the distribution of anti-Semitic propaganda, which centers around themes such as the powerful Jewish-Zionist connection as well as the demonization and delegitimazation of Israel by comparing it to Nazi Germany.
