Kronen Zeitung, March 8, 2020

German original: https://www.krone.at/2112577

A 16-year old German who wants to convert to Judaism was attacked a few days ago in Graz because of a Star of David ring. Anti-Semitism is on the rise – in all of Europe, and also in Styria. The Jewish Community in Graz demands that politicians not just talk, but also act courageously.

The attack on the 16-year old in Muchargasse is concerning: The German living in Graz wants to convert to Judaism, he was wearing a ring with a Star of David. “You’re a Jew,” he was mobbed by two youths – with no migration background, according to the victim – and was asked to “piss off.” Finally, he was hit in the face.

Not an isolated case: apparently a short while ago a youth was attacked in Volksgarten, but did not file a complaint. “The Styrian police takes suspicions of such anti-Semitic crimes very seriously. An increase has been noticeable,” says police spokesperson Markus Lamb.

“The Situation has Deteriorated Substantially”

In the past five years, and specifically during the past two or three years, the situation has deteriorated substantially,” says Elie Rosen, head of the small Jewish Community in Graz, which includes some 150 people. Anti-Semitism has been increasing considerably, as is evident in several surveys. The current Report on the Protection of the Constitution (2018), for example, lists 49 anti-Semitic crimes in Austria; four people were hurt.

“We are not just talking about right-wing anti-Semitism,” says Rosen. “All studies show a high proportion of left-wing and Muslim anti-Semitism.” Rosen has begun to document single cases, for example tirades over the phone or on the street, but also on social media, where Jew haters can reach a large audience with the push of a button and where dangerous cells are being formed.

Courageous Action by Politicians Demanded

During his talk with Kronen Zeitung, Rosen emphasizes the good understanding with police (investigation in the current case was taken over by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution) and also the City of Graz. “All politicians are against anti-Semitism. But when it comes to take courageous action, for example against the BDS movement (which demands an isolation of Israel), things look quite differently;” he also demands stronger engagement in education.

According to Rosen, the situation is currently uncertain for all Jewish Communities. “We do not know what the future will bring.”