Reports of online anti-Semitism up by half since October 7

The number of reports of anti-Semitism online at the Meld.Online Discrimination reporting center has increased by almost half since October 7 last year, the National Coordinator for Combating Anti-Semitism (NCAB) reports. The number of reports rose from 68 to 101 in that period. "But this is just the tip of the iceberg," says a spokesperson.

On October 7, Hamas attacked a festival in Israel, killing 1,200 people and capturing and holding several hundred hostages. The attack sparked a war between Israel and Hamas.

According to the NCAB, about a quarter of all reports to the online hotline were based on anti-Semitism. In the Netherlands, only 0.3 percent of the population is Jewish. Nevertheless, reports show that this minority is disproportionately affected by threats and hatred. The war between Israel and Hamas, in particular, is triggering another wave of hatred against Jews, according to Het Parool.

A quarter of all reports of discrimination in the Netherlands concern anti-Semitism. This can also be felt by those affected outside the internet. Verdoner is often told that many Jews no longer dare to practice their Jewish faith openly, for example, by wearing the traditional head covering. In addition, many are confronted daily with hissing, insults, threats, and sometimes even physical violence, he tells Het Parool.

National Coordinator Eddo Verdoner points out, among other things, the lack of moderation on platform X since Elon Musk took over the site. According to Verdoner, anti-Semitic content makes these types of platforms a lot of money because users click on them a lot. He thinks it is a profit model under the guise of freedom of expression. Verdoner calls on users to go to a reporting center if they encounter anti-Semitism online.