The number of antisemitic incidents in Bavaria has noticeably increased since the terrorist militia Hamas attacked Israel. The antisemitism research and information center (Rias) in Bavaria has recorded 35 incidents related to the events in Israel since the attack on October 7th, as a spokesman in Munich announced. The deadline was October 19th. In the same period last year, the office recorded 15 incidents – including all antisemitic incidents in Bavaria, even without any connection to Israel.
The head of Rias Bayern, Annette Seidel-Arpacı, said that there is a strong antisemitic mood online and on the streets. Anyone who publicly identifies themselves as a Jew or shows solidarity with Israel must expect to be treated antisemitic. “It is unbearable that Jews now have to fear for their safety in this country because of an antisemitic massacre.”
The Bavarian State Criminal Police Office (LKA) was initially unable to provide any figures on antisemitic incidents since the Hamas attack. A spokesman referred to a time lag with which cases are recorded statistically. In the entire year of 2022, Rias Bayern recorded 422 antisemitic incidents in the Free State. The LKA lists 358 antisemitic crimes in Bavaria for the previous year. According to preliminary data, by the end of September this year, the police had already recorded 184 such crimes.
In Munich, for example, numerous people gathered for a pro-Palestinian demonstration on Marienplatz on October 9th. According to the city, “antisemitic statements were made several times and statements that could also be seen as endorsement of the terrorist attacks.” Criminal proceedings have been initiated for insult and sedition.
In Augsburg, an Israeli flag hung on the town hall square in solidarity has been torn down for the second time in just a few days. In both cases, investigations are now underway for violations of flags and emblems of foreign countries and damage to property.
