Antisemitic incidents in Switzerland escalated to unprecedented levels in 2024, with a 43% increase compared to the previous year, according to a report by the Swiss Federation of Israelite Communities (SIG) and the GRA Foundation Against Racism and Antisemitism. The study recorded 221 incidents in 2024, up from 155 in 2023 and 57 in 2022.
The report notes a significant rise in physical violence, including an attempted arson attack on a synagogue and 11 cases of assault. One notable incident involved a knife attack in Zurich, where a teenager shouted “Death to Jews,” nearly killing a 50-year-old man.
Online antisemitic incidents were also prevalent, with 1,596 cases recorded, over 55% of which occurred on the Telegram platform. The report attributes this surge to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led massacre in southern Israel, which intensified antisemitic sentiments.
The rise in incidents has significantly impacted the Jewish community’s sense of security, leading many to conceal religious symbols in public to avoid harassment or violence.
In response, SIG and GRA are calling for stronger government action, including increased security for Jewish institutions and legal measures to combat online hate speech, to address the growing threat to Jewish communities in Switzerland.