The number of antisemitic incidents in the Czech Republic rose to a historic high in 2024. The Federation of Jewish Communities recorded an increase of almost 9 % compared with the previous year. Experts also warn of a growing normalization of antisemitism in the public sphere.
The Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic (Federace židovských obcí v ČR | FŽO) registered a total of 4,694 antisemitic incidents in 2024. Compared with 2023, when 4,328 cases were reported, this represents an increase of 8.46 %. Viewed over the long term, this figure marks a historic peak. At the same time, the previously visible steep rise in incidents has slowed significantly. An analysis of the statistical data, however, shows that the severity of antisemitic incidents dramatically increased following the events of 7 October 2023.
The data collected do not provide a complete statistical overview of all antisemitic incidents in 2024. The FŽO relies exclusively on publicly accessible sources, which only capture a small portion of reality. The number of recorded incidents also depends on the willingness and ability of victims and witnesses to report antisemitic incidents.
Petr Papoušek, Chairman of the FŽO, stated: “The Czech Republic is also affected by a worldwide, explosive wave of antisemitism that erupted immediately after the Hamas terror attack on 7 October 2023. The subsequent war in the Gaza Strip had a decisive impact on the number and nature of antisemitic incidents in 2024 and contributed significantly to the polarisation of Czech society.
Anti-Jewish hatred, particularly in the form of demonisation and delegitimisation of the State of Israel, became socially accepted and, according to the FŽO report, dominated public opinion. Ideologically, there was an unprecedented synergy of right- and left-wing extremism, Islamism, and disinformation, united by Israel-hostile rhetoric based on classic antisemitic motifs, narratives, conspiracy theories, and myths.”
Antisemitically motivated violence has so far been rather rare in the Czech Republic. Between 2020 and 2023, the FŽO recorded only two violent attacks (2020, 2021). The year 2024 brought a new record with four cases of physical attacks. All incidents were in the context of reactions to the Middle East conflict.
Petr Papoušek also pointed to a particularly serious incident: “At the end of January 2024, there was an attempted arson attack on a synagogue in Brno. Fortunately, the improvised explosive and incendiary device failed. The police classified the incident, during subsequent investigations, as an attempted terrorist act with Islamist motivation.”
Despite this incident, the Czech Republic remains a safe country for the Jewish community in 2024 compared with other countries and regions.
The complete annual overview of antisemitic incidents in 2024 is now available digitally on the FŽO website. Incidents with a possible antisemitic background can also be reported via an online form.
