Israel’s National Security Council and Foreign Ministry are urging Israelis to refrain from traveling abroad due to global antisemitism, which has risen dramatically since the start of its war with Hamas.
“In recent weeks, against the backdrop of the Swords of Iron conflict, the National Security Council and the Foreign Ministry have witnessed a significant rise in incidents of antisemitism and incitement, alongside life-threatening attacks against Israelis and Jews around the world,” the joint statement cautioned. “These incidents are occurring in numerous countries worldwide, including countries that do not have terrorism warnings.”
“In light of the growing trend, the NSC calls for a reevaluation of the necessity of traveling abroad during these days,” the statement stressed. “At the same time, the NSC calls upon the general public in Israel, departing for any destination, to follow its recommendations regarding the required conduct of Israeli citizens abroad.”
Among the recommendations for those traveling abroad, Israelis are warned to “Avoid wearing or displaying Israeli and Jewish symbols,” to stay clear of regions where active anti-Israel demonstrations are taking place, and to refrain from “engaging in conversations about Israeli security systems, including the military, with unfamiliar individuals.”
The statement further described synagogues, Jewish businesses, kosher restaurants, airports with flights to and from Israel, and Israeli embassies as “core targets for antisemitic attacks,” reported the Jerusalem Post.
Amir Tsarfati, Founder and President of Behold Israel, described the recent explosion of antisemitism as “a dark cloud covering the world.”
“The world was just taking a little break. Now, antisemitism is back in vogue. In Germany, cases of antisemitism have risen 240%; in Austria, 300%; South Africa, 720%; and the UK, 1351%,” he asserted.
“There is a dark cloud covering the world right now. Standing with Israel is soon going to exact a price. It may be relational. It may become physical,” Tsarfati stated. “What we are seeing is symptomatic of the growing influence of the enemy. It is truly diabolical, and you will not understand it until you put your spiritual glasses on.”
