Rising Antisemitism in Germany: Incidents Involving 'Zyklon B' on Facebook and Threats Against Jewish Clergy

## Overview of Antisemitic Incidents in Germany for 2025

In 2025, Germany witnessed a concerning rise in antisemitic incidents, with the Federal Association of Research and Information Centers on Antisemitism (RIAS) documenting approximately 8,700 cases. A substantial proportion of these incidents were directed against the state of Israel. The incidents ranged from online harassment and threats to physical assaults, including a distressing case in the state of Hesse, where a Jewish rabbi was pushed in front of his children and forcibly relieved of his mobile phone. The perpetrators attributed their actions to the rabbi’s perceived association with the policies of the Israeli government.

Among the most alarming incidents was the dissemination of an image of a 'Zyklon B' gas canister on Facebook, accompanied by a sarcastic remark suggesting the poison gas used by the Nazis in extermination camps during the Holocaust was still available. The recipient of this message was a Jewish woman, highlighting the persistent and pernicious nature of online antisemitism in Germany.

## The Role of RIAS and Classification of Incidents

Established in 2018 in Berlin, RIAS serves as a central reporting hub for antisemitic incidents across Germany. The organization records cases of verbal, physical, and online hostility targeting Jewish individuals, institutions, or those perceived as Jewish. RIAS operates regional reporting centers in 11 of Germany’s 16 federal states, providing a structured approach to documenting and analyzing antisemitism. However, its figures do not represent the totality of antisemitic incidents, as RIAS focuses on cases reported to its centers and classifies the nature of each incident.

Julia Kob, Project Manager at RIAS Berlin, emphasized that antisemitism is not confined to criminal thresholds. She noted that while not all incidents may constitute criminal offenses, they remain deeply harmful and indicative of a broader societal issue. Kob stated, 'Antisemitism begins long before it reaches the threshold of criminality.'

## Criticism and Controversies Surrounding RIAS

RIAS has faced criticism, including from international organizations such as the Berlin-based 'Diaspora Alliance', which accused the organization of exaggerating the focus on antisemitism linked to Israel while underrepresenting far-right activities. RIAS has vehemently rejected these allegations, asserting that its reporting is based on rigorous documentation and classification of incidents.

## Impact of Geopolitical Events on Antisemitism

The surge in antisemitic incidents in Germany correlates with the escalation of violence in the Middle East. Following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, in which over 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 taken hostage, the subsequent conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza resulted in the deaths of more than 71,000 people, including a significant number of civilians. Despite temporary ceasefires, such as the one in October 2025, the level of antisemitic incidents in Germany has remained alarmingly high.

Felix Klein, the German Federal Government Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight Against Antisemitism, expressed grave concern over the findings. He stated, 'The annual antisemitism report shows that antisemitism in Germany continues to rise unchecked. It is not only a threat to Jewish life but also to our democracy, freedom, and the moral fabric of our republic.'

## Analysis of Incident Severity and Online Threats

In 2025, RIAS reported four severe violent incidents in Germany, none of which resulted in fatalities. A notable case involved the stabbing of a Spanish tourist in February 2025 at Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial. The attacker, who traveled from Leipzig, mistakenly believed the tourist to be Jewish. In March 2025, the perpetrator was sentenced to 13 years in prison for the attack.

Online antisemitism remains a significant concern, with 2,314 incidents recorded in 2025, up from 1,996 in 2024. Of these, 43% of public threats occurred on social media platforms, exacerbating the sense of insecurity among Jewish communities.

Joseph Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, highlighted the growing anxiety within the Jewish community. He noted that many Jews in Germany now avoid visibly displaying symbols of their faith, such as the kipah or the Star of David, particularly in major urban centers like Berlin, Frankfurt, and the Ruhr region. Schuster emphasized that while the situation varies across the country, 'the problem is particularly severe in large cities, where the threat level is disproportionately high.'

## Broader Context and Classification of Antisemitism

RIAS classifies 68% of all recorded incidents as antisemitism linked to Israel. This classification stems from the perception of Israel—founded as a Jewish state after World War II—as a collective representation of global Jewry. However, it is essential to note that not all Jews are Israelis, and not all Israelis are Jewish. This distinction was recently underscored by Joseph Schuster, who remarked, 'Israel is home to a significant Christian and Muslim minority, and the majority of Jews in Germany hold German passports rather than Israeli ones.'

The persistent and evolving nature of antisemitism in Germany, both online and offline, underscores the urgent need for continued vigilance, education, and policy interventions to address this deep-seated societal issue.

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Key Institutions and Figures Referenced: - RIAS (Federal Association of Research and Information Centers on Antisemitism) – Established in 2018 in Berlin; operates in 11 federal states. - Joseph Schuster – President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany. - Felix Klein – Federal Government Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight Against Antisemitism. - Julia Kob – Project Manager at RIAS Berlin. - Diaspora Alliance – International organization based in Berlin, critical of RIAS’s reporting methods.