7 October 2025

According to the latest figures from the Research and Information Centre on Anti-Semitism (RIAS), 8,627 anti-Semitic incidents were documented nationwide in 2024. This represents an increase of almost 77 per cent compared to 2023 (4,886 incidents). In mathematical terms, this means that an average of 24 antisemitic incidents occurred per day in 2024 - compared to 13 in the previous year.

The reactions to the terrorist attacks of 7 October 2023 and the subsequent war in the Middle East were a major factor influencing this development. In this context, RIAS observed an "opportunity structure" that contributed to a consistently high level of anti-Semitic incidents. There was no decline in the numbers over the course of the year. The rise in anti-Semitic statements in highly politicised contexts on the right and left is particularly striking. Antisemitism manifested itself in 2024 primarily at public gatherings, through antisemitic stickers and graffiti in public spaces and at universities.

The increase in violent attacks is particularly worrying: RIAS registered 8 cases of extreme violence, 186 attacks and 300 threats. There were significant increases compared to 2023, particularly in the categories of attacks and threats. Another focus was on anti-Semitic gatherings: With 1,802 documented cases, a new high was reached in 2024. This corresponds to 35 antisemitic gatherings per week, compared to 16 in 2023. In terms of the political and ideological backgrounds of the documented incidents, anti-Israeli activism was the most common category at 26 per cent. RIAS also reported 544 incidents of an antisemitic nature with an extreme right-wing background, the highest number since the nationwide comparison began in 2020.

Classification for the university context 

The available figures illustrate the drastic increase in anti-Semitic attitudes and behaviour in Germany. This results in a clear mandate for universities: anti-Semitism must be actively addressed in teaching and research in order to develop effective options for action to combat and prevent anti-Semitism.

The number of anti-Semitic incidents at universities tripled nationwide compared to the previous year. In 2024, RIAS documented 450 such incidents, compared to 151 incidents in 2023. This is a repeated drastic increase. In 2022 - i.e. before 7 October 2023 - the figure was 23 incidents. Through political education, historical education and the promotion of empathy and civil courage, universities can make an important contribution to the prevention and protection of Jewish life.

Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences will use these alarming developments to intensify its commitment to actively combating anti-Semitism through prevention and intervention. The Representative against anti-Semitism at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences (Prof Dr Cordula Borbe) is always available.