Antisemitism Surges in Cyprus and Greece Despite Strong Ties with Israel

New data from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reveals that Cyprus and Greece exhibit the highest levels of antisemitism within the European Union. According to the ADL's Global 100 index, 58 percent of adults in Cyprus hold strong antisemitic views, the highest rate recorded among EU countries. This translates to approximately 627,000 Cypriots in a population of under one million. The report highlights widespread stereotypes, with 81 percent agreeing that Jews have excessive power in business and 39 percent believing Jewish loyalty lies solely with Israel. Additionally, 20 percent of Cypriots acknowledge the Holocaust occurred but believe the victim count is exaggerated, a rate three times the regional average.

Despite these negative public sentiments, Cyprus maintains a pragmatic stance toward Israel, with 81 percent supporting diplomatic relations and 90 percent welcoming Israeli tourists. Greece ranks second in antisemitism levels, with 50 percent of adults, about 4.3 million people, holding antisemitic attitudes. Two-thirds of Greeks surveyed believe a secret group controls major world events, significantly above the regional average of 39 percent. Belgium ranks third in Western Europe with a 30 percent antisemitism index, affecting roughly 2.8 million people.

These findings contrast sharply with the close diplomatic and security cooperation between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, particularly in energy and infrastructure projects known as the "energy triangle." The ADL report places Cyprus 82nd out of 103 countries globally and last among 18 Western European nations, a region considered the least antisemitic worldwide. Globally, the ADL estimates that 2.2 billion adults, or 46 percent of the world population, currently hold antisemitic views, more than double the rate recorded a decade ago.

The data underscores a significant gap between official alliances and public opinion in these countries, raising concerns about rising antisemitism in Europe despite ongoing regional partnerships with Israel.