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NEWS
Sharp Rise in Number of Antisemitic Incidents Around the
World Following Operation Cast Lead
By R. Hoffner
According to a report by the Forum for the Battle Against
Antisemitism, published in cooperation with the Jewish
Agency, the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of
Diaspora Affairs, Operation Cast Lead in Gaza sparked a sharp
rise in the number of antisemitic incidents. Most of the
incidents recorded took place in Western Europe, especially
France, where the 600,000-strong kehilloh is the
largest on the continent. High numbers were also reported in
Germany, Britain, Belgium and Scandinavia.
Antisemitism was actually down in 2007 and also in 2008 until
the operation in Gaza caused a turnaround. In the US,
antisemitism was on the rise due to the world economic
crisis.
Since the IDF operation began, 250 synagogues and community
centers were targeted, along with damage to private property,
homes and businesses belonging to Jews (approximately 100
incidents in France and 100 in Britain), compared to just 80
during the same period last year. Local Muslims were
responsible for most of the attacks. In France, Jews have
been assaulted and stabbed. In Strasbourg the Jewish deputy
mayor was forcibly held in his office by Muslims. In
Marseille shots were fired at a synagogue and firebombs were
thrown at other synagogues.
In locations around the world mass anti-Israel demonstrations
turned violent and blatantly antisemitic remarks were made
while comparing Israeli actions in Gaza to the Holocaust.
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