There were 35 incidents of anti-Semitic violence in Europe and South America in the past year, compared with six incidents three years ago.
That was one of the disturbing statistics contained in a special report presented to the Cabinet at its regular weekly meeting Sunday.
The report was compiled from Israeli and Jewish organizational sources which keep track of anti-Semitic manifestations in North and South America, Western Europe and the Soviet Bloc states.
The report said that anti-Semitism was frequently disguised as anti-Zionism and denial of the Holocaust.
An especially dangerous aspect, according to intelligence experts, is that the extreme right wing and extreme left in several countries make common cause in attacking Jews.
The Cabinet issued a communique on the subject which stressed that “awareness” is the best counter measure to anti-Semitism and pledged that the government will act to heighten that awareness among Israeli citizens.
According to the communique, “the incidence of anti-Semitism is increasing significantly in many countries; some Jewish communities are being targeted by extreme anti-Semitic, racist and terrorist organizations.
“Attempts are being made to deny the Holocaust took place as well as to de-legitimize Zionism, and these attempts disguise anti-Semitic trends.
“Hostile propaganda of various kinds is spreading, including use of the notorious ‘Protocols of the Elders of Zion.’ There are occurrences of violence against Jewish individuals and institutions.”
The Cabinet communique stressed “Israel’s destiny and central role in the encouragement of aliyah and the struggle against anti-Semitism.
“The government of Israel together with the World Zionist Organization and the Jewish Agency will support organizations and Jewish communities in any responsible action that may promote this goal.”
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
