Anti-Semitism is growing among young people: alarming study results

Anti-Semitism is growing among young people: alarming study results

A current study shows that anti-Semitism is increasingly a problem among young people in Austria. The survey, which has been conducted every two years since 2018, is based on a survey of 2,037 people aged 16 and over that took place in October and November 2024. There was also an additional sample of 1,080 people with a migration background, particularly from Turkey and Arabic-speaking countries. According to the study, 13% of respondents have manifest anti-Semitic attitudes, which represents a slight decrease compared to 2022, when this figure was 15%. At the same time, latent anti-Semitism remains stable at 33% (2022: 32%).

The results are particularly worrying among younger people. For example, 15% of respondents under the age of 25 believe that reports of concentration camps are exaggerated. In addition, 31% of participants agree with the statement that Jews can be understood because of Israel's policies - an increase of 8 percentage points. 35% of respondents believe that Israelis treat Palestinians in a similar way to how the Germans treated Jews in World War II, an increase of 5 percentage points since 2022. These results make it clear that anti-Semitism is not only rooted in broader society, but is also increasing in younger age groups.

Anti-Semitism and educational paths

The study highlights that anti-Semitism is more prevalent among people with little knowledge of Judaism and a tendency to believe in conspiracy. An increase in anti-Semitic attitudes can also be observed among university graduates. Social networks and their media consumption also contribute to the reinforcement of conspiracy myths. Experts are therefore calling for a fundamental reassessment of Holocaust education in the education system and a deeper integration of the topic into the curricula. National Council President Rosenkranz also expressed the desire to improve school education about the Holocaust and supports the proposal for a Holocaust center by the Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG).

Anti-Semitism remains a serious threat to social cohesion and the state's fundamental values. The historical perspective is also important: anti-Semitism has a long and tragic history in Austria, which began when the National Socialists came to power in March 1938 and led to persecution, escape and murders that have had a decisive impact on Jewish life in Austria. These remnants of the past are still present today, more than 80 years after the “Anschluss” and the November pogroms, as evidenced by the results of the most recent study.

Strategies against anti-Semitism

In order to counteract the spread of anti-Semitism, the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF) is committed to various programs. These include the training and further education of teaching staff as well as the creation of learning materials to prevent anti-Semitism. A central element in the strategy is the Austrian Center for Anti-Semitism Research, while the ERINNERN:AT program supports teachers in Holocaust education. As part of the Austrian EU Presidency in 2018, the fight against anti-Semitism was identified as an important area of ​​action, and the national strategy against anti-Semitism includes 32 measures, ten of which are the responsibility of the BMBWF.

Combating anti-Semitism is also of central importance against the background of social developments. Studies show that anti-Semitism is deeply rooted in society, making many Jews feel harassed and threatened. It is essential to combat the roots of anti-Semitism through education, research and social initiatives and to give the victims a voice. These challenges require solidarity and joint action across society.

Further information about the problem and the measures against anti-Semitism in Austria can be found in the reports from Small newspaper and BMBWF.