Full Breakdown
Rising Antisemitism Sparks Urgent Calls for Action from Holocaust Survivors
1/29/2026, 4:01:28 AM
Holocaust Survivors Urge Action Against Antisemitism
In a poignant address to the German parliament, Tova Friedman, an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor, called on lawmakers to intensify their efforts against the resurgence of antisemitism. Speaking on Holocaust Remembrance Day, Friedman recounted her harrowing experiences as a child in Auschwitz and expressed her fears about the current climate for Jews worldwide. “Now, 81 years later, much of the world has turned against us,” she stated, urging officials to “use your power to fight” against growing antisemitic sentiments. Her remarks come amid alarming statistics, with Germany recording a record 6,236 antisemitic crimes in 2024, a significant increase from 2,641 in 2022, largely attributed to right-wing extremism.
Global Context of Antisemitism
The rise in antisemitic incidents is not confined to Germany. A report from the Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Ministry indicated that 20 Jews were murdered globally in 2025, with approximately 815 severe antisemitic incidents documented. The report highlighted a correlation between spikes in antisemitism and international events, particularly following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. The United States recorded the highest number of incidents, followed by the United Kingdom and Australia. The report also noted a staggering 124 million antisemitic posts on social media platforms.
Voices from the Jewish Community
Holocaust survivors in various countries have expressed similar concerns. Joanna Millan, an 83-year-old survivor living in the UK, reflected on her fears regarding the safety of the Jewish community, stating, “Not particularly, no,” when asked if she felt safe in the UK. Millan highlighted that antisemitism today is more overt than in previous decades, often disguised as anti-Zionism. She lamented that despite her lifelong dedication to Holocaust education, the lessons seem to have been lost on many.
In Atlanta, Rabbi Joseph Prass emphasized the importance of remembering the Holocaust as a lesson against authoritarianism and inaction. He urged individuals to stand up against injustice, reflecting a broader sentiment among survivors that the past must inform present actions.
Official Responses and Calls for Action
In response to the rising tide of antisemitism, Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli stated, “Antisemitism is not only a Jewish problem, but a global threat that endangers the entire free world.” He called for collective action to combat this pervasive issue. Similarly, Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich urged the UK Cabinet to take decisive measures, asserting that “remembering the past is no longer enough” in the face of escalating antisemitism.
Conflicting Reports on Antisemitic Incidents
While the reports indicate a rise in antisemitic incidents, there are discrepancies in the data regarding the severity and frequency of these attacks. For instance, the number of severe incidents reported in 2025 was lower than in 2024, despite the increase in fatalities. This inconsistency highlights the need for further investigation into the nature and context of antisemitic acts.
Conclusion
As Holocaust survivors like Tova Friedman and Joanna Millan share their experiences and fears, their calls for action resonate amid a troubling rise in antisemitism globally. The urgency for governments and communities to address this issue is paramount, as the lessons of the past continue to echo in the present.
