'European anti-Semitism has reached unprecedented levels'
Diaspora Affairs Minister Naftali Bennett painted a dark picture of Jewish life in Europe on Sunday, telling the cabinet anti-Semitism on the Continent has reached an "unprecedented" level.
...Bennett also cited statistics indicating that anti-Semitic incidents in London rose more than 60 percent during the 12-month period ending November 15 and that incidents in France shot up 84% in the first quarter of 2015 when compared to the same period the previous year.
While Tel Aviv University's Kantor Center for the Study of Contemporary European Jewry, which tracks such activity, has not yet released final statistics for the past year, 2014 saw a 40% surge in violent anti-Semitism globally.
Such trends, Bennett contended, "represent a significant challenge to the fabric of Jewish life in Europe and beyond," adding that he viewed anti-Semitic violence as stemming from "European Muslims born in Europe and educated in European education systems" rather than from newly arrived refugees.
Aside from Islamic anti-Semitism, increasing support for BDS also presents a grave threat to Jews, he contended, stating that the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement was "gaining momentum" in Europe and that it "promotes a boycott not only of Israel but the representatives and Jewish events, as well."
Delegitimization of Israel and activities such as demonstrations against the Jewish state and accusations that it is "bloodthirsty and illegitimate" create a "slippery slope leading, in the end, to attacks against Jews who identify with Israel," he warned.
What can I say: "Go, go Putin!"
Posted by: g(r)omgoru 2016-01-25 |