Anti-Semitism, Israel, Gaza, Muslims and Europe

The worldwide increase in anti-Semitic attacks following Israel's 2009 incursion into Gaza hit Britain and France the hardest compared to all other European countries. In 2009, Britain saw 374 manifestations of violence against Jews compared to 112 in 2008. France was a distant second, with 195 violent attacks compared to 50. The total number of anti-Semitic incidents was a record number of 1,129 in 2009, compared to 559 in 2008. Four percent of incidents - or 41 instances - were armed assaults against Jews because of their religion, and 15% were weaponless assaults. Arson accounted for 3%, or 34 instances. Threats of violence against Jews and Jewish institutions accounted for 29%. The fact that Britain and France led the chart is because these countries are home to Europe's largest Jewish and Muslim communities.