Nearly half of young Jews in Europe avoid wearing Jewish items out of fear

A recent survey of young Jews living in Europe discovered that nearly half them avoid wearing Jewish items in public due to concerns about their safety, 44% have experienced anti-Semitism within the last 12 months and 80% of those have never reported the incidents to the police or any other organisation.

The report focuses on Jewish between the age of 16 and 34 years-old and the data was taken from a survey of over 2,700 Jews living in Europe carried out last year across 12 member states, including the UK, France, Germany and Spain.

The report showed the following results for European Jews aged 16-34:

45% never carry or display Jewish items out of concern for their safety
83% believe anti-Semitism has increased in their countries over the past five years
44% say they have experienced anti-Semitic harassment in the past 12 months
80% of those who experienced anti-Semitism said they did not report it
41% have considered emigrating because they did not feel safe
90% believe the Arab-Israel conflict affects how safe Jews feel in Europe
85% say they had been themselves accused or blamed for actions by the Israeli government “at least occasionally”
48% say they felt adequately protected by their government
17% say their countries combat Jew-hatred effectively
81% say that despite their concerns over anti-Semitism they still have a strong attachment to their Jewish identity
89% have visited Israel
76% have family in Israel

“Antisemitism in Europe remains a stubborn stain that refuses to go away,” said Michael O’Flaherty, from the Fundamental Rights Agency, which commissioned the report.

“We owe it to all Jews, and particularly future generations, to erase this blot once and for all through coordinated action at the EU and national level working hand-in-hand with Jewish communities,” he said.

EU Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, Věra Jourová added: “I am saddened that they fear for their security in Europe, do not dare to wear a kippah and some even consider emigrating.

“We need to act fast to combat antisemitism in Europe and join our efforts to keep our youth safe. We want young Jewish people to grow up in Europe feeling they fully belong here. Antisemitism is a threat to our European values.”