Number of Antisemitic Incidents in Czech Republic Surges Nearly 30% in 2020, Jewish Community Data Shows

A total of 1,128 antisemitic incidents were recorded in the Czech Republic in 2021, marking a 29% rise from the 874 of the previous year, according to a new data report published by the Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic (FZO).

Nearly all — or 98% — of the incidents fell into the category of online hate — including articles, social media content, discussion posts, and anonymous comments. 

“This increase in incidents is related to the overall atmosphere in society, which, as in 2020, was significantly affected by the Covid-19 disease pandemic,” an FZO statement said.

“The analysis of data for the year 2021 pointed to a worrying trend of a continuous increase in recorded manifestations of threats, approval, justification or incitement to physical aggression,” it added.

The FZO also highlighted a surge of far-right antisemitic attacks in the Czech Republic in 2021.

“For the first time ever, the number of such registered incidents exceeded the category that includes incidents without a clear ideological background,” it said.

The increase in antisemetic incidents in the Czech Republic follows similar trends facing other Jewish communities across Europe.

Last week, a report released by Germany’s Federal Association of Departments for Research and Information on Antisemitism (RIAS) showed a nearly 40% jump in Jew-hatred incidents in the country in 2021 from 2020.