Most Jews Surveyed in the EU Hide Their Identity: What Is the Reason?

More than 3/4 of Jews living in EU countries (76%) regularly hide their identity due to security concerns amid a rising tide of antisemitism in Europe. This is indicated by the results of a survey conducted by the Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).

According to the data, 80% of respondents reported a rise in antisemitic sentiment in their country over the past five years. Furthermore, 90% of respondents noted instances of antisemitism encountered online, while 56% reported antisemitic expressions among their acquaintances.

Additionally, 37% of survey participants admitted to facing persecution and violence based on their nationality, including incidents that occurred in parks, shops, and on the streets. In this context, most respondents expressed fear for their safety (53%) and the safety of their families (60%).

On May 14, Rabbi Menachem Margolin, President of the European Jewish Association, stated in a letter to the EU's interior ministers that the number of antisemitic incidents in Europe is much higher than what law enforcement agencies are aware of. According to his estimates, most Jews who experience antisemitic attacks do not report these incidents to the appropriate authorities. Margolin highlighted that expressions of hatred towards individuals of Jewish nationality occur almost daily in Europe.

The FRA survey was conducted from January to June 2023 across 13 EU member states, where 96% of the community's Jewish population resides. A total of 8,000 individuals participated in the study. No data on statistical errors were provided.