The Central Council of Jews in Germany released its third Situation Report on Jewish Communities, based on responses from leaders of 102 Jewish communities and regional associations.
The findings present a deeply concerning picture of Jewish life in Germany more than two and a half years after the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023.
The report concludes that what began as a sharp rise in antisemitism has now become a persistent condition which community leaders describe as a “new normal”.
Dr Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, warned that Jewish communities are now living under constant security pressure while antisemitic attitudes have become more visible in public discourse. He described the situation as “untenable”.
One of the most significant findings is the steep decline in perceived societal solidarity. In 2023, 62 percent of Jewish communities reported feeling supported by civil society. By 2026 this figure had fallen to 35 percent.
Community leaders report that early displays of solidarity following the escalation of antisemitic incidents have largely faded. Many now describe growing isolation and a perception that antisemitism, often presented as criticism of Israel, is increasingly tolerated within mainstream society, including parts of the social centre where stronger civic responsibility would be expected.
This deterioration has had a direct impact on everyday Jewish life. Around 68 percent of respondents say they now feel less safe than they did before 7 October 2023. As a result, many Jews report withdrawing from public spaces, concealing their identity, and avoiding visible religious symbols such as the Star of David or the kippah. This is particularly evident among children and young people. Security concerns have also disrupted communal activities, with 21 percent of communities forced to cancel events over the past year due to safety risks.
The report also finds that developments in the Middle East no longer bring any meaningful improvement to the security situation in Germany. Even during periods of de escalation such as ceasefires in Gaza, 66 percent of respondents reported no noticeable change in their sense of safety. Dr Schuster emphasised that the conflict is frequently misused domestically as a justification for antisemitic hostility. He stated that the war in the Middle East is never a reason for antisemitic attacks or agitation in Germany.
A particularly troubling finding is the growing pessimism about the future of Jewish life in the country. Only 13 percent of community leaders expressed a positive outlook. Many report a deep sense of resignation and concern about the long term viability of Jewish communities in Germany.
More than half of the communities surveyed have adjusted their priorities since October 2023. The focus has increasingly shifted towards security measures, prevention, educational work, and cooperation with authorities. A majority also report that the ongoing situation has significantly affected their personal lives.
Dr Schuster concluded that the report should be understood as a warning to policymakers and society. He called for sustained and serious efforts to counter what he described as the normalisation of antisemitism. He added that trust within the Jewish community in the possibility of a reversal of current trends is steadily declining.
The report paints a stark picture of Jewish life in Germany today, increasingly marked by insecurity, withdrawal from public visibility, and uncertainty about the future.
