In a continuation of the studies commissioned by the Austrian Parliament in 2018, 2020, and 2022, the 2024 Antisemitism Survey sheds new light on the persistence and growth of antisemitic attitudes in Austria.
This survey builds upon previous data and introduces additional dimensions to the analysis, particularly in relation to Israel and the impact of recent events, such as the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023.
The survey highlights that, despite the rise of antisemitic statements following the attack and the subsequent escalation of the Middle East conflict, overall trends in antisemitism in Austria remain relatively stable. The study underscores the persistence of both racist and religious antisemitic views, as well as a strong correlation between blame-shifting antisemitism and political attitudes, including those related to conspiracy theories and anti-American sentiment.
One of the key findings from the 2024 survey is the difficulty many Austrians face in identifying antisemitic statements.
This is particularly evident in the case of Israel-related antisemitism, where only about half of the respondents recognised it as such. Additionally, young people, particularly those aged 25 and under, exhibit a stronger tendency towards Israel-related antisemitism compared to older generations.
This age group also shows a lack of knowledge about the Holocaust, with two-thirds unable to correctly answer questions regarding the number of Holocaust victims, a factor strongly linked to antisemitic attitudes.
The survey also reveals that young people, especially young men, are more likely to support antisemitic statements, such as questioning Israel’s right to exist or believing that Jews cannot be trusted to act decently.
This trend is more pronounced among those with lower levels of formal education and those holding patriarchal views.
Moreover, social media continues to play a significant role in the spread of antisemitism, as it serves as a platform for the trivialisation of the Holocaust and the dissemination of conspiracy theories.
While antisemitism in Austria is a long-standing issue, the 2024 survey also points to the complex relationship between attitudes towards Israel, the Middle East conflict, and antisemitic beliefs.
The Hamas attack, and the differing perceptions of it, have proven to be a significant factor influencing the rise of antisemitic sentiment, particularly among younger Austrians.
The survey suggests that trivialising the attack or supporting Hamas is closely tied to antisemitic views, further complicating efforts to combat this deeply ingrained social issue.
Overall, the findings of the 2024 Antisemitism Survey provide critical insights into the ongoing challenges faced by Austria in addressing antisemitism.
They underscore the importance of continued education, particularly among young people, to foster a deeper understanding of Judaism and the Holocaust.
The study also reinforces the need for political and social measures to counteract the spread of antisemitism, particularly on social media and in the context of contemporary geopolitical developments.
