Germany continues to grapple with antisemitism, with nearly seven incidents reported daily in 2022, according to a recent report by the Department for Research and Information on Anti-Semitism (RIAS). While the total number of incidents, 2,480, represents a small decline from the previous year, the data reveals a concerning trend: a record high of nine extremely violent antisemitic crimes, including shootings. One such incident involved a shooting at a former rabbi's residence adjacent to a synagogue in Essen, which is currently under investigation for potential links to Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

RIAS head Benjamin Steinitz emphasized the pervasiveness of antisemitism in everyday German life, highlighting encounters in workplaces, homes, public transit, and even supermarkets. These incidents, often rooted in diverse political ideologies, frequently involve the trivialization of the Holocaust. Conspiracy theories, particularly those surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, also contribute to the problem, with RIAS finding that one-fifth of reported incidents have a conspiracy-related basis. While 13% of incidents were linked to right-wing extremism, a significant 53% lacked a clear political association.

The image above depicts the Star of David atop the New Synagogue in Berlin, a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle against antisemitism in Germany. The photo was taken on June 27, 2023, during the presentation of the RIAS annual antisemitism report.

Felix Klein, the German government's commissioner for combating antisemitism, drew attention to antisemitism within the cultural sector, referencing the controversy surrounding the documenta fifteen art exhibition, where the director resigned following accusations of antisemitic content. Klein stressed that such incidents, while prominent, are often overshadowed by countless others that occur beneath the surface of public awareness, permeating various aspects of Jewish life in Germany. RIAS offers support to victims of antisemitism, documenting incidents and connecting them with law enforcement and support organizations.