Sharp rise in antisemitic incidents in French-speaking Switzerland

Antisemitism increased by nearly 90% in French-speaking Switzerland last year, according to CICAD.

The Intercommunity Coordination against Antisemitism and Defamation (CICAD) is alarmed by this “unprecedented” surge observed across the country.

CICAD has recorded 42 physical assaults, some of which took place in schools, which have become the “new hotbeds of hatred”. “A climate of harassment, hatred, and intimidation towards Jewish students is gradually taking hold,” the organisation states in a press release. It is particularly concerned about increasingly direct and threatening antisemitic acts.

In total, 1,789 incidents were reported in 2024, representing an 89.5% increase compared to 2023.

CICAD has also noted a surge in online antisemitism, particularly on social media. Additionally, there has been a notable rise in anti-Zionism and conspiracy theories targeting the Jewish community, the organisation adds.

Ralph Friedländer, President of the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities, stated that the war in Gaza was the main trigger for the rise in antisemitism. However, he acknowledged that other factors have also played a role. “Immediately after 7 October, even before the Israeli military intervention, there was a terrible increase in antisemitic acts, particularly towards the end of 2023,” he highlighted.

Nevertheless, he emphasised that “Switzerland is still considered relatively safe compared to the rest of Europe”. Jewish communities in Switzerland are, in fact, welcoming an increasing number of new members, particularly from France.

Friedländer also expressed concern over antisemitism in schools, calling it a serious issue. “This is why we are calling for a strong commitment from the state in this area. I welcome the recent statement by the Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education, which today expressed its intention to actively combat antisemitism and racism in schools,” he added.

According to him, this is a matter for society as a whole: “It is not just for Jews in Switzerland to deal with, but for the entire society to take action and engage.”

“We must be very vigilant about what we allow under the guise of freedom of expression and what we permit on our territory. Personally, I believe that respect and tolerance are values we must absolutely uphold. I do not want people in Geneva or Switzerland to be afraid because of their religious affiliation, whether they are Jewish, Muslim, or from another background. That is something we must not tolerate,” denounced Nathalie Fontanet, President of the Geneva State Council.

She stressed that it is alarming to think that some people do not feel safe in a democratic country, particularly in a canton committed to human rights and the fight against discrimination. She added that the State Council firmly condemns these acts and encourages victims to file complaints: “Because these are acts and statements that are not permitted by law and are punishable.”

A sharp rise in antisemitic acts has also been observed in the rest of Switzerland. The Foundation against Racism and Antisemitism and the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities recorded 221 incidents in German-speaking Switzerland, Graubünden, and Ticino in 2024.

The year was marked by a knife attack on an Orthodox Jewish man in Zurich. According to organisations, the conflict between Israel and Hamas following the 7 October 2023 attack has intensified antisemitic incidents in Switzerland.