Waves of hostility rise towards “Israel” in Czech Republic

OCCUPIED PALESTINE, Nov. 24 (YPA) – The Israeli newspaper Yediot Aharonot reported that hostility towards Israel is witnessing an unprecedented rise in the Czech Republic, one of Israel’s most reliable allies and among the few European countries that support Israeli government positions in international organizations, particularly the United Nations.

According to a report published by the Jewish community last Friday, despite this increase in hostility towards Israel, the Czech Republic remains a safe country for Jews.

The annual report of the Federation of Jewish Communities of the Czech Republic, the main organization representing the country’s Jews, shows that in 2024, 4,694 incidents of hostility, or what is now known as “anti-Semitism,” were recorded, compared to 4,328 incidents in 2023. The report noted a 90% increase in hostility since the war on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023.

The report shows that most incidents, 96%, occurred online, particularly on social media platforms. However, four physical assaults were recorded last year. This is a record high, compared to zero in 2023. All were linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Twelve cases of desecration of Jewish cemeteries and monuments, as well as damage to other sites, were also recorded in 2024, double the number recorded the previous year.

For years, the Czech Republic has been considered one of Israel’s closest friends, especially in Europe. For example, Yediot Aharonot notes that more than a decade ago, the Czech Republic was the only European country to oppose the Palestinian request for observer state status at the United Nations.