Key Trends in Antisemitism

Trend 1: Elevated Plateau of Incidents Following the initial surge in antisemitic incidents post-October 7, 2023, the average number of monthly incidents in 2024 remained four times higher than in 2022 and early 2023. This indicates a new, higher baseline for antisemitic activity.

Trend 2: Evolving Nature of Antisemitism The rate of antisemitic incidents since October 7, 2023, underscores the adaptability of antisemitism to social and political contexts. Incidents related to Israel-Palestine surged from 8% before October 7 to 59% in 2024. This shift highlights the dominance of Israel-Palestine-related antisemitism in Victoria.

Trend 3: Ideological Shift There has been a significant ideological shift in antisemitism since October 7, with far-left political movements now accounting for 53.4% of incidents, compared to 19.7% linked to the far-right. Prior to October 7, 59% of antisemitism was associated with the far-right, and only 8% with the far-left. Despite the decrease in the percentage of far-right incidents, the absolute number of far-right antisemitic acts remains at a record high, averaging 9.1 monthly incidents in 2024.

Trend 4: Increased Violence Antisemitism in Victoria has become more violent and destructive. In 2024, there were 42 antisemitic assaults—a 320% increase from 2023 and a 950% increase from 2022. This subcategory saw the largest year-on-year percentage increase, with more assaults recorded in 2024 than in the previous five years combined. Additionally, there was a sharp rise in violent attacks on Jewish property, including six incidents of serious property damage, compared to one in 2023 and none in 2022.

Trend 5: Targeting Jewish Institutions Jewish institutions have increasingly become targets of antisemitic attacks, with a record 231 incidents in 2024. These attacks threaten the religious and cultural fabric of Jewish life in Victoria, strain community tensions, and drain police resources.

Philip Zajac, President of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, said, “This report chronicles an incredibly challenging year for our community. From schools to synagogues, universities to train stations, Jewish Victorians encountered antisemitic attitudes and behaviours across the community.”

“But the darkest day for us all was December 6, the day the Adass Israel Synagogue was firebombed in an as-yet unsolved terrorist attack. It is a miracle no one was seriously injured or worse.”

“The objective of this report is to serve as a record, but also to spur action by governments, law enforcement, community organisations and individuals to ensure Jewish Victorians can live safe and proud lives.”