Global Antisemitism 2026: WJC Report Highlights and Community Response

Quick Answer

Global antisemitism has remained at historically elevated levels through 2025-2026, according to the World Jewish Congress and Anti-Defamation League. Incidents surged following October 7, 2023 and have not returned to pre-October 2023 baselines in most countries. Jewish communities worldwide have significantly increased security measures and advocacy activity.

The Global Picture

The World Jewish Congress (WJC) and Anti-Defamation League (ADL) track antisemitic incidents globally. Both organisations reported sustained elevated levels through 2024 and 2025 following the surge that occurred immediately after October 7, 2023. Key trends documented include: increases in online antisemitic content, physical incidents in France, the UK, and Germany, and campus-based antisemitism in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada.

France, which has the largest Jewish community in Europe, has seen repeated high-profile antisemitic incidents, driving record numbers of French Jews to inquire about aliyah. The French government has responded with increased security measures around Jewish institutions and schools, including ongoing military deployments at Jewish schools and synagogues that began after the Hyper Cacher attack in 2015.

UK Jewish Community

The Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors antisemitism in the UK, recorded one of its highest-ever annual incident counts in 2024. Physical assaults, property damage, and online harassment all increased. The UK government passed updated hate speech legislation in 2024 that explicitly includes antisemitism. British Jewish organisations including the Board of Deputies of British Jews have called for stronger enforcement of existing laws.

North America

The ADL's most recent national audit of antisemitic incidents showed the US experienced its highest-ever recorded incident count in 2023, followed by continued elevated levels in 2024 and 2025. Jewish institutions including synagogues, community centres, and schools have significantly increased security staffing and infrastructure investment. The Secure Community Network (SCN), which coordinates Jewish community security in North America, reports that most major Jewish institutions now have formal security protocols in place that did not exist before 2023.

Community Response and Aliyah

Aliyah (Jewish immigration to Israel) from Western countries reached significant levels in 2024 and 2025, with Nefesh B'Nefesh reporting some of its highest-ever application volumes from North America and the UK. Some community leaders attribute a portion of this increase to the security environment, though economic and Zionist motivation remain the primary drivers cited by olim themselves.

What Jewish Communities Are Doing

Across the diaspora, Jewish federations and community organisations have invested heavily in both physical security and advocacy. Security investments include camera systems, secured entry protocols, armed guards, and coordination with local law enforcement. Advocacy investments include legislative engagement on antisemitism definitions, education campaigns, and interfaith coalition building.

FAQ

Q: Which countries have the lowest levels of antisemitism?
A: The ADL Global 100 survey, conducted in multiple countries, consistently finds lower levels of antisemitic attitudes in Canada, the Netherlands, and the Nordic countries compared to parts of Eastern Europe and the Middle East. However, incident levels can differ from attitude surveys.

Q: Is Jewish life sustainable in the diaspora long-term?
A: This is an active debate within Jewish communities. Zionist organisations argue aliyah is the long-term solution. Diaspora advocates argue that strong community institutions, security investment, and political engagement can sustain Jewish life outside Israel. Both perspectives are represented in our community.

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