An annual report published Sunday by the Stephen Roth Institute for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism and Racism in Tel Aviv University points to a decreasing trend in the number of anti-Semitic incidents around the world during 2010.

According to the report, a record high number of 1129 anti-Semitic incidents were recorded during 2009. The unusually high number was mostly attributed to Operation Cast Lead, which took place that year and prompted anti-Semitic responses around the globe.

In comparison, only 614 violent occurrences against Jews were recorded the following year – a 46% drop from 2009. Despite the encouraging data, 2010 is still considered the third most violent year since the beginning of the 90s.

Most incidents involved violence against civilians (40%), damage to private property (25%), vandalism targeted against Synagogues (15%) or cemeteries and memorials (15%).

The highest number of incidents was recorded in England, France and Canada, amounting to some 60% of events worldwide. Australia also saw a dramatic rise of 60% in anti-Semitic-related violence on its street, compared with the previous year.

According to the report, there has also been a growing number of attacks against Jewish sites in Latin America, with Chile – which is home to the fourth larges Palestinian community in the world – at the top of the list.

The authors of the report stated that the media and internet serve as powerful platforms for the distribution of anti-Semitic propaganda, which centers around themes such as the powerful Jewish-Zionist connection as well as the demonization and delegitimazation of Israel by comparing it to Nazi Germany.

(Source: Ynet)