Antisemitism Peaks in Cyprus and Greece Despite Strong Ties with Israel

New data from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reveals that Cyprus and Greece have the highest levels of antisemitism among European Union countries. According to the ADL's Global 100 index, 58 percent of adults in Cyprus hold strongly antisemitic views, the highest rate in the EU. This translates to approximately 627,000 people in a country with fewer than one million residents. Greece follows closely with 50 percent of adults, or about 4.3 million people, expressing similar attitudes. Belgium ranks third in Western Europe with a 30 percent antisemitism rate.

The report highlights a stark contrast between the close diplomatic and security cooperation between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, particularly in energy and infrastructure projects known as the "energy triangle," and the widespread antisemitic sentiments among the populations of Greece and the Greek part of Cyprus. In Cyprus, 81 percent of respondents believe Jews have excessive power in business, and 39 percent think Jewish loyalty lies solely with Israel. Additionally, 20 percent of Cypriots acknowledge the Holocaust but believe the number of victims has been exaggerated, a figure three times higher than the regional average.

Public opinion in Cyprus toward Israel is generally low, with only 38 percent viewing Israel positively, while 57 percent express positive views toward Palestinians and 6 percent toward Hamas. Despite these attitudes, a large majority support maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel (81 percent) and welcoming Israeli tourists (90 percent).

In Greece, two-thirds of respondents believe a small group secretly controls major world events, significantly above the regional average of 39 percent. Belgium's antisemitism rate, while lower than Cyprus and Greece, remains notably above the Western European average of 17 percent.

Globally, the ADL estimates that 2.2 billion adults, or 46 percent of the world's population, currently hold antisemitic views, more than double the rate recorded a decade ago. The findings underscore a troubling rise in antisemitism in Europe, particularly in countries with close ties to Israel.