New report reveals average of 43 antisemitic attacks each month against Austria’s Jews

There were 257 antisemitic incidents in Austria in the first six months of 2020, according to Austria’s Jewish representative body.

According to new statistics released this week by the Vienna-based Israelitische Kultusgemeinde Wien (IKG), 257 antisemitic incidents were recorded between January and June 2020, or an average of 43 antisemitic attacks each month.  These included three physical assaults, 26 instances of destruction of property and 131 episodes of verbal abuse or harassment. Perpetrators came from far-right and far-left groups, or were Islamists, according to the IKG.

Austrian politicians expressed concern over the IKG report. Chancellery Minister Karoline Edtstadler stated that the numbers were “a call to action.”

Ms Edtstadler added: “43 antisemitic incidents per month is 43 too many.”

IKG officials noted that the statistics only recorded the reported incidents and that the true picture was likely to be more alarming. They also urged the Austrian police to ensure that antisemitism was registered as a motive. In a radio interview, one official said: “People who are attacked because of their religious beliefs… should feel that they are being taken seriously and protected by all state authorities.”

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