Anti-Semitism in RLP: Number of crimes explodes according to Hamas attack

Anti-Semitism in RLP: Number of crimes explodes according to Hamas attack

A year after the devastating Hamas attack on Israel, which demanded more than 1,200 lives, the concern among Jews in Rhineland-Palatinate has grown. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the number of anti -Semitic crimes in the region has reached a new high, rising from 46 in 2022 to 171 in 2023. In a period of one year, 154 anti -Semitic crimes were registered, 61 of which with recognizable connections to the Middle East conflict. The Jewish communities in Rhineland-Palatinate account for around 3,000 members, and many report on growing fear of becoming victims of violence.

Monika Fuhr, representative of the Prime Minister for Jewish life, emphasizes that fear has increased among Jews. Many avoid being recognized by the public as Jews and are worried about their children. In conversations, affected people express feelings of grief and stress. In view of the allegedly more than 100 hostages in the hands of the Hamas, the feeling of discomfort is reinforced. In memory of the terrorist attack on October 7, the State Association of Jewish Communities in Rhineland-Palatinate is organizing memorial events today, including the Mainz Museum and the Mainz Synagogen Center, where local politicians will also speak. Further information can be found in a report www.swr.de to be found.