Israelis Fear Rising Antisemitism Abroad — and Act Accordingly

Amnon Cavari

Rising antisemitism around the world is not only an alarming international trend; it is already shaping the perceptions and behavior of Israelis.

In recent years, we have witnessed a significant increase in antisemitic incidents worldwide. In the United States—where antisemitism is monitored systematically—the rise has been dramatic. Data from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) show a nearly 900% increase over the past decade, from 942 incidents in 2015 to 9,354 in 2024.

The phenomenon, of course, is not limited to the United States. While the attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia—where 15 Jews participating in Hanukkah celebrations were murdered—was exceptional in its severity, monitoring across many countries indicates double-digit increases in antisemitic incidents in recent years. ADL figures in seven countries with large Jewish populations show, for example, a 75% increase from 2023 to 2024 in Germany, a 182% increase in France, and an 82% increase in England. In many places, there is evidence that Jews are hiding Jewish symbols and avoiding participation in communal events. Globally, in 2025, 20 Jews were murdered in antisemitic attacks—two in England, three in the United States, and, as noted, 15 in Australia.

Israel’s National Security Council travel advisories also paint a troubling picture regarding the safety of Israeli tourists. In many Western countries—including Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, France, Canada, and Sweden—there is a travel warning at the level of “sporadic threat.” The NSC explains this threat by noting that in recent months, there has been an ongoing escalation in expressions of hostility, often with antisemitic overtones, toward Israelis and Jews in these countries. In other countries, such as Brazil and India, the warning level is even higher and more specific.

These events and warnings appear to be influencing Israeli public discourse as well. Israeli media report frequently on antisemitic incidents abroad and on events that Israelis encounter while traveling. An examination of online searches for the term “antisemitism” indicates that since October 7, the number of searches has doubled. Israelis are concerned about this trend.

Against this backdrop, we at the Institute for Liberty and Responsibility at Reichman University examined Israeli perceptions of rising antisemitism, how Israelis understand the causes of the phenomenon, and how it affects their behavior. The findings are based on a survey conducted via iPanel on January 11–13, 2026, among 810 respondents, who represent a nationally representative sample of Israeli society.

Our data show that a large majority of Israelis—86%—believe antisemitism worldwide is increasing. Most of the public believes that the rise in antisemitism stems, at least in part, from criticism of Israel. Only about a quarter believe the increase is due solely to hostility toward Jews.

The public also expresses a sense that antisemitism is constraining their lives and freedom of action. For example, roughly a quarter of Israelis report that rising antisemitism has harmed their business or professional opportunities. About half say they take antisemitism into account when deciding whether—and where—to travel abroad. In response to an open-ended question about destinations they perceive as dangerous, respondents mentioned France (31%), the United Kingdom (21%), and Spain (15%), among others. When asked what they fear in traveling to those countries, a large majority reported concerns about violence and physical harm motivated by antisemitism.

Ultimately, antisemitism is not “just another headline” in Israel. It is becoming a factor that actively shapes the lived reality of Israelis—whether in the hesitation to wear a Star of David while visiting a foreign country, in decisions about travel destinations, or in perceptions of professional horizons. These findings point to a tangible sense of fear, above all, fear of violence. The responsibility, therefore, cannot rest only on individuals to “be careful.” It also lies with governments and communities: to raise awareness and preparedness, to demand consistent and transparent enforcement from destination countries, and to strengthen the security and solidarity infrastructure of Jewish communities.

But there is also an internal Israeli responsibility. The link between Israel’s image in the world and the security of Jews and Israelis abroad is real. And alongside Israel’s justified demand that the world show sensitivity and zero tolerance toward antisemitism, the Israeli public understands that the state’s actions carry consequences. Some suggest that a double standard is applied to Israel, particularly in light of the terrible events we see elsewhere, but that does not absolve Israelis of the moral duty to uphold the value of human life and human dignity of every person. Anyone who seeks recognition of their right to security and identity must be equally committed to safeguarding the security and dignity of others. 

In a reality where antisemitism is once again becoming a force that dictates behavior, responsibility is twofold: to protect, to warn, and to demand, but also to act, as a state and as a society, in a manner that merits the same moral rigor we rightly expect from others.

Amnon Cavari is an Associate Professor and Head of the Institute for Liberty and Responsibility at the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy and Strategy, Reichman University.