In 2023, CICAD recorded 944 antisemitic acts in French-speaking Switzerland. This represents an increase of 68% compared to the 562 acts recorded in 2022.
This considerable increase is largely due to the importation of the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has served and continues to serve as a pretext for the surge in antisemitism. While the monthly average was 42.5 acts per month until September, more than 150 antisemitic acts per month were recorded from October.
The far right continues to be a vector for the expression and propagation of antisemitic ideology.
Furthermore, so-called “traditional” antisemitism remains the most common form of antisemitism.
The number of cases reported in schools since October 7 is particularly worrying. All French-speaking students are affected by the antisemitic phenomenon. Victims, witnesses or perpetrators, students in French-speaking Switzerland deserve that educational measures be taken to raise awareness and combat all forms of expression of racism and anti-Semitism.
The ban on Nazi symbols in public spaces must be enforced in federal and cantonal legislation. The beneficial initiatives of parliamentarians from Geneva, Vaud, Friborg and Neuchâtel will, in the long term, allow the strengthening of already existing legal measures.
Noting that the year 2024 is already beginning with very numerous reports, it is imperative that the authorities react vigorously by taking political, judicial and educational measures.
