The Research and Information Centre on Antisemitism (RIAS) Bavaria documented 1,515 antisemitic incidents in its 2024 annual report for the state, almost twice as many as in 2023 (761 cases). RIAS noted that 80 percent of all incidents involved Israel-related antisemitism.
“2024 was a decisive year. We had to document more antisemitic incidents than ever before,” said RIAS Bavaria Director Annette Seidel-Arpacı. “In addition to the shock of the massacres committed by Palestinian terrorist groups and the ongoing pain over kidnapped and murdered hostages, the mass antisemitic agitation on the streets and online since 7 October has deeply affected many Jews, including in Bavaria.” A lack of empathy has further unsettled many.
According to RIAS, antisemitism became increasingly evident at public gatherings last year. The organisation documented 557 events at which verbal or written antisemitic statements were made. More than a third of all incidents occurred in the context of such gatherings, most of which were directed against Israel. The shooting at the Israeli Consulate General and the Nazi Documentation Centre in Munich on 5 September represented a case of extreme violence in 2024, RIAS further explained.
The number of physical attacks reported to RIAS rose from eight to 15; the number of targeted property damages increased from 32 to 50; and the number of mass mailings – such as circular emails – rose from 24 to 65. The number of threats remained roughly the same as the previous year, at around 30. The vast majority of incidents – a total of 1,354 – were documented as offensive behaviour. RIAS includes direct messages, emails, and in-person encounters in this category.
“7 October 2023 also dramatically impacted the everyday lives of Jews in Bavaria and Germany,” said Ludwig Spaenle, Bavaria’s Commissioner for Antisemitism. The number of antisemitic crimes in Bavaria in 2024 reached a very high figure of around 550. “In addition, there are situations and experiences that Jews have to endure below the threshold of criminal law. We cannot stand idly by and watch this development; the defensive constitutional state is called upon to act,” Spaenle said.
Social Affairs Minister Ulrike Scharf expressed shock at the figures. “It is intolerable that Jewish citizens in Germany have to live in fear and are threatened. I am appalled by how deeply rooted antisemitism is and how increasingly apparent it is becoming.” Bavaria will strengthen youth outreach and prevention work against antisemitism and support professionals in their educational efforts.
Jessica Flaster, Chair of the Association of Jewish Students in Bavaria (VJSB), described the situation at universities: “Since 7 October 2023, a climate of fear has prevailed at Bavarian universities, making carefree study impossible. Many Jewish students prefer to use online learning options or hide their Jewish identity on campus, as being identifiably Jewish has become a risky undertaking.”
Bavaria has an antisemitism problem, and that cannot be glossed over, said Cemal Bozoglu of the Green Party in the state parliament, commenting on the figures. The protection of Jewish life and institutions must be a top priority. “The fight against antisemitism should therefore be included as a state goal in the Bavarian constitution,” he demanded.
