The number of antisemitic incidents in Switzerland remained significantly elevated throughout 2025. The war in the Middle East has acted as a dominant long-term trigger since 7 October 2023. While incidents in the physical world decreased during the reporting year, online antisemitism saw a marked increase.
The 2025 Antisemitism Report, produced by the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities (SIG) and the GRA Foundation against Racism and Antisemitism, indicates that a return to pre-7 October 2023 conditions is not yet visible. For the Jewish community in Switzerland, this represents a sustained burden.
The year 2025 was again characterised by a high number of antisemitic incidents in Switzerland. Online cases rose by a further 37 per cent, while incidents in the physical world fell by almost 20 per cent. Overall, levels remain considerably higher than before 7 October 2023. The war in the Middle East again proved to be a central trigger for antisemitic incidents. Surveys conducted for the Antisemitism Report by SIG and the GRA Foundation show no lasting relaxation, but rather a consolidation of a tense situation.
In the online sphere, 2,185 antisemitic incidents were recorded (2024: 1,596), an increase of 36.9 per cent. Since 2024, SIG has employed a new methodology for systematically recording antisemitic content, so comparisons with pre-2024 figures are not possible. The vast majority of online incidents occurred on Telegram, with 1,445 cases (2024: 890). Comment sections of online newspapers accounted for 380 incidents (2024: 300), making them the second-largest category. Antisemitic content was also found across all major social media platforms.
In terms of content, antisemitic conspiracy theories dominated, accounting for 42 per cent of online incidents (2024: 42 per cent). General antisemitism made up 39.3 per cent, Israel-related antisemitism 12.4 per cent (2024: 16.7 per cent), and Holocaust denial or trivialisation 6.3 per cent (2024: 6 per cent). At least 24 per cent of online incidents were directly linked to the war in the Middle East (2024: 28.3 per cent).
In the physical world, 177 antisemitic incidents were recorded (2024: 221; 2022: 57). While this represents a decline compared with the previous year, it remains roughly three times higher than before 7 October 2023. Reported incidents included 5 assaults (2024: 11; 2022: 1), 42 verbal abuses (2024: 42; 2022: 16), 80 antisemitic statements (2024: 103; 2022: 6), and 28 graffiti incidents (2024: 44; 2022: 9). The Middle East conflict remained the principal trigger, accounting for 37.3 per cent of cases (2024: 44.8 per cent).
Since 7 October 2023, the war in the Middle East has acted as the dominant long-term trigger for antisemitic incidents in Switzerland. Its influence remained significant throughout 2025, with no return to pre-October 2023 levels evident.
This consolidation is particularly pronounced online, where incidents continued to rise. Around 24 per cent of antisemitic posts and comments had a direct link to the Middle East conflict, with indirect connections likely even higher. Monthly analyses reveal a clear correlation: following notable events, there were repeated spikes, most pronounced in June 2025 during the war between Israel and Iran.
This influence is also evident in the physical world, with 37.3 per cent of incidents directly related to the conflict. In many cases, the perpetrators’ motivations are unknown, meaning the actual proportion is likely higher. Where assignable, incidents can be traced to known groups, including far-right, far-left, Islamist, conspiracy-oriented, radical pro-Palestinian actors, and segments of mainstream society itself.
Overall, the findings underline that antisemitism in Switzerland is not a temporary crisis phenomenon. The sustained impact of the Middle East war, the persistently elevated baseline across all categories, and the ongoing tension in the digital sphere shaped the situation throughout 2025. This points to a structural problem that goes beyond individual incidents and requires long-term solutions.
The persistently high number of antisemitic incidents increasingly affects the sense of security and societal participation of Jewish people in Switzerland. For many, antisemitism has ceased to be an abstract concept since 7 October 2023, becoming a constant burden. Jewish individuals are avoiding publicly wearing religious symbols or visiting certain locations and events, reflecting a creeping restriction of Jewish life in public spaces.
A further concern is the growing normalisation of antisemitic narratives. Antisemitic statements and generalisations are tolerated or downplayed in parts of society, particularly in connection with the Middle East conflict. GRA and SIG warn that politics and society must not accept a degree of antisemitism as “normal” or “unavoidable,” as this would undermine the foundations of a democratic state. Such developments must be actively countered.
Against this backdrop, GRA and SIG call for the permanent protection of Jewish life in Switzerland.
The National Strategy against Racism and Antisemitism, adopted by the Federal Council, represents an important step. However, the decisive element will be the concrete action plan, which must include clear responsibilities, binding measures, and adequate financial and human resources.
These measures should encompass long-term security provisions, investments in prevention and awareness-raising, particularly in education, as well as increased monitoring. Effectively combating antisemitism is not a short-term task, but a lasting responsibility of both the state and society.
