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Since Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel, there have been many more anti-Semitic attacks, insults and threats.
In the middle of the city of Zurich, spray-painted on a white wall: “Dead to the Jews”. Or: A man with a Star of David necklace is approached by two young people, they spit on his feet and shout “Free Palestine”.
These are just two of 41 registered anti-Semitic incidents in German-speaking Switzerland since October 7th. That is well over half of the cases that occurred last year. The incidents were collected by the Swiss Association of Israelite Communities (SIG). A further 40 were reported in French-speaking Switzerland. There are also hundreds of insults and threats online. Since the attack on Israel by the terrorist organization Hamas and Israel’s subsequent air strikes, hatred of Jews has increased significantly.
“We will hunt you down and kill you”
Four physical attacks were shocking: “We almost never have anything like that.” Another example: At Zurich Airport train station, two Jewish men were attacked with punches on their way to the train.
There is also insults, graffiti and graffiti, posters at demonstrations or threatening letters and emails. Ralph Lewin shows the Rundschau letters to Jewish communities. “I am pleased about Hamas’ special treatment of the Jews, a wonderful action. I hope there are more,” it says. In another email: “We will hunt you down and kill everyone.” Ralph Lewin warns: “This is frightening and we have to take it seriously.”
Anti-Semitism: more incidents reported in Switzerland
Criticism of demo posters
Banners and signs shown at pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Switzerland are also worth talking about.
Like this one: “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” So that Palestine will be free from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean. “This is an anti-Semitic statement because it is directed against Israel’s right to exist,” says SIG President Lewin.
However, there are voices, including a few Jewish ones, who do not view the statement as anti-Semitic.
“Of course there are angry people”
Because many Hamas supporters are Muslim, Muslims in Switzerland are also suspected of anti-Semitism. The Rundschau wanted to talk to imams about this, but most of those asked did not want to speak in front of the camera.
Imam Kaser Alasaad, a Syrian-born imam in Volketswil (ZH), clearly distances himself from any anti-Semitism and the terror of Hamas: “Of course I am against that. I try to keep politics out of it here in the mosque.” But believers are already coming to him who are very angry or very sad.
Uncertainty and fear
In Switzerland there is uncertainty and even fear in the Jewish community. The Rundschau visits a Jewish family with children. “You suddenly blame the Jews, you wish them dead,” says family father Igor. “This contributes to this feeling of fear that we have had since October 7th.”
His wife Lisa hides her Star of David necklace under her clothes in public. “I always make sure it doesn’t accidentally slip out,” she says. “Maybe I’m not exactly getting beaten up. But I’m really afraid that I’ll be insulted or have to justify who I am.”