The number of anti-Semitic attacks rose by 25.2 perecent in Germany in 2014 after a decline the previous year, according to an anual report by the German Interior Ministry.
1,596 offenses were reported last year. Extremist crimes against foreigners were also up 21.5 percent to 3,945.
German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere described the increase in “xenophobic, anti-Semitic and racially motivated crimes and violent attacks’’ as an “extremely worrying” situation.
‘’This development is worrying and must be stopped,” he said. He does not see a solution based solely on politics, but believes the “whole of society is needed.”
Anetta Kahane, head of the Berlin-based Amadeu Antonio Foundation, noted a marked increase in anti-Jewish verbal and physical attacks during Israel’s Operation Protective Edge last summer in Gaza.
“The feeling of insecurity among Jews reflects a real threat and has to be taken seriously,” Kahane said in a statement. “It is not acceptable that there are areas in Germany where Jews fear for their safety.”
A November poll in Germany showed that one in four Germans equated Israel’s policies toward Palestinians with Nazi Germany’s treatment of Jews during WWII.
Survey results showed a spike in negative views toward Jews and Israel between June and September, during the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has vowed to do everything in her power to make German Jews feel safe.