Jewish Community in Denmark recorded the highest number of antisemitic incidents ever in the country in 2024 report

In 2024, the Jewish Community in Denmark has recorded the highest number of antisemitic incidents ever.

AKVAH (the Department for Mapping and Registering Antisemitic Incidents) has published annual reports on antisemitism in Denmark since 2012, and the latest report reveals both a greater number of incidents and a higher proportion of serious cases than in any previous year.

AKVAH has documented a total of 207 antisemitic incidents in Denmark in 2024, representing a 71% increase compared to the previous year. The number of serious cases has also risen, including an arson attack on a Jewish woman’s home in May, a knife assault on a Jewish boy, and seven additional cases involving violence, assault, and physical harassment against Jewish individuals.

The surge in antisemitic incidents has largely been influenced by global events, particularly the terrorist attack in Israel on October 7, 2023, the subsequent war in Gaza, and the broader conflict in the Middle East. These developments have provided the backdrop for the majority of antisemitic acts in Denmark in 2024.

“Regrettably, we continue to see a tendency to hold Jews in Denmark collectively responsible for conflicts far away. This tendency has continued from 2023 into 2024. It is, of course, an unacceptable and antisemitic trend, regardless of one’s views on the global situation,” says Jeppe Sevel-Lilholt, Vice-Chair of the Jewish Community in Denmark.

Another alarming development is the large number of cases involving Jewish children and young people. More than 63% of antisemitic incidents recorded in 2024 targeted individuals or institutions that were clearly and visibly Jewish.

“It is a deeply troubling trend that the most effective way to avoid antisemitism appears to be by concealing one’s identity. That is not a viable solution in an open and democratic society. We insist that the root causes must be addressed through education and knowledge about Jewish life and history. The current action plan against antisemitism is set to expire in 2025. A strong continuation of this work will be necessary in the coming years,” says Sevel-Lilholt.