New Survey Finds Cyprus and Greece Lead in European Anti-Semitic Attitudes Despite Strong Israeli Ties

A recent global survey by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reveals that Cyprus and Greece rank highest in anti-Semitic attitudes among European Union countries. The survey, based on the Global 100 index, found that 58% of respondents in Cyprus hold elevated anti-Semitic views, the highest in the EU and Western Europe region. These views were measured by agreement with at least six out of eleven anti-Semitic stereotypes, including beliefs about Jewish control over politics, economy, and media.

Despite these negative perceptions, the survey highlights a paradox in Cyprus: over 80% of respondents support maintaining diplomatic and tourism ties with Israel, with 90% favoring Israeli tourists. However, only 38% expressed a positive attitude toward Israel, while 57% favored Palestinians and 6% supported Hamas. Notably, 81% of Cypriots believe Jews have excessive power in business, and 39% think Jewish loyalty lies solely with Israel. Additionally, 20% believe the Holocaust's death toll has been exaggerated, a rate significantly above the regional average.

Greece follows Cyprus with 50% of respondents showing high anti-Semitic attitudes, estimated at 4.3 million adults. The country also exhibits a strong belief in conspiracy theories, with nearly two-thirds convinced a secret group controls major world events. Belgium ranks third in Western Europe with 30% holding such views, far above the regional average of 17%. Eastern Europe shows even higher averages, with countries like Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro exhibiting elevated anti-Semitism.

The ADL's survey covered over 58,000 adults across 103 countries, representing 94% of the global adult population. It found that 46% worldwide hold high anti-Semitic attitudes, equating to approximately 2.2 billion adults, the highest level since the Global 100 index began in 2014. The study also noted a worrying generational gap, with 50% of respondents under 35 showing elevated anti-Semitic views compared to 37% of those over 50.

This comprehensive data underscores the persistence and growth of anti-Semitic stereotypes globally, even in countries with strong political and economic ties to Israel.