There are reports of an increase in anti-Semitic attacks and incident, with some linking the alarming trend to the economic crisis in Europe.

There were two cases of pigs’ heads and blood placed at the gates of Jewish cemeteries in Germany along with a sign “6 million lies”. 800 anti-Semitic incidents were registered in Germany alone since January 2008, with increasing reports that the economic crisis has prompted neo-Nazis to raise their profile in Europe, seeking to point the blame for the money woes on the Jews. This year’s figure in Germany represents an increase of tens of percent as compared to the same time period a year earlier.

Leaders of the Jewish community in Germany report a week does not pass without an incident at a Jewish cemetery, adding they do not only blame the radical right-wing, but also the radical left-wing.

Last week they point out, left-wingers barged into a Berlin university and destroyed an exhibit depicting the destruction of Jewish life as the Nazi’s rose to power.

Hungary, which is hit hard by new economic realities, records a sharp increase in anti-Semitism. Last week, while the community marked 70 years since Kristallnacht, window of a shul in Debrecen, the second largest city in Hungary, were smashed. During the yomim tovim, right-wingers were visible outside a shul in Budapest in uniform. While they did not harm anyone, their presence was a source of tension and fear for mispalalim. In addition, a ticket sales office selling seats to a Jewish performance was set ablaze after refusing to sell tickets for the event to right-wing extremists.

According to Israeli Ambassador to Hungary Aliza Ben-Nun, there is a sharp increase in anti-Semitism in the country, an increase of tens of percent. She told the daily Yediot Achronot that harassment attacks are daily occurrences, adding the radical right-wing has become increasingly bold and daring. Attacks against Jewish cemeteries are commonplace she adds, as are verbal abuse incidents and defamatory graffiti.

Earlier in the week, three men were taken into custody in Prague for a rock-throwing attack against Jews in the Czech Republic. Attacks are up against all foreigners, with Jews included, some experts report.

In Switzerland, on the eve of the 70th Kristallnacht anniversary, a sign was posted on a Jewish store “Swiss protect yourselves! Do not buy from Jews”.

The ADL (Anti Defamation League) reports a sharp increase of anti-Semitism on the Internet, citing chats, blogs and hack attacks against Jewish websites. Many of the internet chats and blogs blame the Jews for the economic crisis, citing their control of the banking industry.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)