CFCA – Annual Evaluation 2013 – Present situation and tendencies
Over the past year, the level of Antisemitism and violence against Jews, especially in Europe, remained high, similarly to 2011, although to a lesser extent then 2012, in which it increased dramatically following the effect created by the attack in Toulouse (Mar 19th 2012) and the inspiration it provided for antisemitic Muslim activity.
Over the past year, a number of events of unusual severity was recorded, such as the violent attack of a Jewish family in Sydney, Australia (Oct 26th,2013), or the shooting on Chabad rabbi Ovadia Isakov in Derbent, Russia (July 25th,13) by Muslims. It should be emphasized that these events did not constitute a change of trend in the areas where there occurred. Like previously, this year Islamic Antisemitism was more dominant in Western Europe, and antisemitic of the extreme right in Eastern Europe.
Islamic Antisemitism, which long since transcended the boundaries of the Middle East and the impact of the Israeli – Palestinian conflict, is feeding, among other things, from the increased frustration among second and third generation in Europe, due to the difficulty that they encountered integrating in the European Community.
France continues to lead as the country in which Antisemitism threshold is the highest and the most violent, and over the past year dozens of violent incidents were counted, including stabbings, beatings, and arson of facilities.
The impact of Toulouse incident was diminished but not abated and still remains an inspiration to the perpetrators of Antisemitism. In this context, Otzar HaTorah school continues to be a focal point of antisemitic incidents, within a range of categories, starting from attacking a student with a knife (February 2013) to photos of Nazi salute at the front of the school.
Meanwhile, the growing phenomenon of “reverse Nazi salute” was prominent this year. This salute is a relatively new antisemitic symbol, which became a sweeping phenomenon that is spreading outside of France, and not only among Muslims. The phenomenon, originated by French comedian Dieudonne as an expression of anti-establishment, changed its skin and became a clear neo – Nazi expression, adopted by extreme right groups. In this context, antisemitic elements are making extensive use of the reverse Nazi salute, exploiting the lack of awareness of its true meaning among the general public.
These elements succeed to be photographed and to upload photos in which they are saluting the reverse Nazi salute, in places and events of symbolic meaning. For example, at the Auschwitz memorial site, at the Western Wall, along with IDF soldiers, and alongside Jews around the world, while the subjects are not aware of what is happening.
