2 minute read
Anti-Semitism incidents in Austria rose last year to the highest level since the Jewish community s official records began 19 years ago, with protests against coronavirus restrictions helping to fuel the rise, a report showed on Monday.
The number of reported incidents, which range from online abuse to physical attacks, increased by 6.4% in 2020 to 585, the Anti-Semitism Reporting Office of the body that officially represents Austria s Jews, the Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG), said in an annual report that showed a rising trend continuing.
The two months with the most incidents were November and December, when protests against coronavirus restrictions gained momentum, though the office also launched a public awareness campaign in November that might have increased the number of cases reported.
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in Israel vows to fight anti-Semitism, promote Israeli security
Austria s Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has undertaken a three-day visit to Israel. Israel s government won t currently deal with Kurz s new coalition partners from Austria s far-right FPÖ, given their historic Nazi links.
Austrian ministers made pointed reference to their country s past and commitment to the future as Chancellor Sebastian Kurz made a three-day visit to Israel. I can assure you that Austria will fight all forms of anti-Semitism in Europe with determination, be it the still existing one or also new imported anti-Semitism, Kurz said during press statements in Jerusalem. We will try to raise awareness in Europe for the special situation and the special security needs of Israel.
There were 585 reported antisemitic incidents last year, including in the capital Vienna
Anger at coronavirus lockdowns in Austria helped drive incidents of antisemitism to a record high last year, according to the organisation that represents the country’s Jews.
A report by the Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG) said the total number of incidents across 2020 rose by 6.4% to 585, the highest since records began nearly two decades ago.
There were 11 cases of physical attacks on Jews, a rise from five the year before.
It added that most incidents were reported in the last two months of 2020, when protests against coronavirus restrictions peaked although the office also launched a public awareness campaign around the time that might have increased the number of cases reported.
Austria: Antisemitic crimes hit record high in 2020
The Jewish Community of Vienna has found that right-wing ideology played a significant role behind Austria s antisemitic attacks.
Breaking all anti-Semitic attacks down by associated ideology, the biggest category was right-wing
The number of antisemitic incidents in Austria surged last year to a record high since the Jewish community s official records began 19 years ago, a study showed on Monday.
Reported incidents ranged from online abuse to physical attacks. The number rose by 6.4% in 2020 to 585 nationwide, according to an annual report by the Anti-Semitism Reporting Office, which officially represents Austria s Jews, the Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG).