Europe Council Warns of Rising Antisemitism in Czech Republic

A new report from the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), part of the Council of Europe, has documented a significant increase in antisemitic incidents in the Czech Republic. The report notes that both the frequency and severity of these incidents have escalated, particularly since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza. The investigation also highlights a growing prevalence of Holocaust denial and distortion, as well as antisemitic rhetoric online.

Official figures show a rise in registered antisemitic incidents from 4,328 in 2023 to 4,694 in 2024, building on a previous record high in 2023. For comparison, only 874 incidents were recorded in 2020, followed by 1,128 in 2021 and 2,277 in 2022. The majority of documented cases involve hate speech, predominantly spread online, where the Jewish community in the Czech Republic is sometimes collectively blamed for the policies of the Israeli government.

The report indicates a shift in the nature of antisemitic threats. While right-wing extremists were previously considered the primary danger, other groups have gained prominence. During the COVID-19 pandemic and following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, antisemitic conspiracy theories spread widely within "system-critical" movements and online. Since October 7, 2023, Islamist actors and far-left extremists have reportedly intensified their activities, according to the Jewish community organization. Hate speech is also present in political discourse and election campaigns, with Jewish people now among the groups increasingly targeted.

While observing similar trends affecting Ukrainians, the ECRI notes that Roma and LGBTQI+ individuals continue to be frequent targets of hostility. Despite these concerns, the ECRI acknowledges progress, including the Czech government's adoption of an anti-antisemitism strategy for 2025-2030 in October 2025. This strategy aims to protect the Jewish community, combat antisemitic hostility, and promote Holocaust education and remembrance, incorporating the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism, which the Czech parliament adopted in January 2019.

The government also supports measures to protect the Jewish community, and the Czech head of state has publicly condemned hate speech. Action plans to combat extremism and prejudice-motivated hate have been developed with civil society organizations. The ECRI considers these steps important but calls for further efforts. The report, based on a delegation's visit in November 2025 and data up to March 19, 2026, also addresses racist and anti-LGBTQI+ hate speech, noting recurring bullying in schools, particularly affecting Roma, LGBTQI+, and Ukrainian children, sometimes perpetrated by teachers or parents.