On the Rise: Antisemitism in Europe

GRADE LEVEL: High School

COMMON CORE STANDARDS: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening

Reports Show an Alarming Rise of Antisemitism in Europe

Antisemitism in Europe has been on the rise and continues to persist. In a 2024 report, the EU (European Union) Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) reports rising antisemitism, high levels of antisemitism online, and more than three-quarters of Jewish people hide their Jewish identity at least occasionally--with many avoiding  Jewish events or sites because they do not feel safe.  In addition, an ADL survey measuring antisemitic attitudes across Europe found that some of the most stubborn anti-Jewish tropes remain deeply entrenched in 10 European countries, with roughly one in four people harboring extensive classic antisemitic beliefs.

ADL commissioned a study to gauge the attitudes and opinions towards Jews in over 100 countries around the world. To learn more about the results of the study, see ADL GLOBAL 100®. Additionally, ADL's Antisemitism Uncovered: A Guide to Old Myths in a New Era is an online comprehensive resource with historical context, fact-based descriptions of prevalent antisemitic myths, contemporary examples and calls-to-action for addressing this hate. The Antisemitism Uncovered Toolkit provides tactics and resources to help you engage in the Good Fight.

About the Lesson Plan

This lesson provides an opportunity for students to define antisemitism, identify and categorize incidences of antisemitism, gain an understanding of the Pyramid of Hate and learn more about the rise of antisemitism in Europe.

Learning Objectives:

• Students will be able to define antisemitism and cite examples of it.
• Students will be able to distinguish between bias, prejudice and discrimination and understand how they Students will learn about the increase of antisemitic incidents reported in Europe.
• Students will identify what can be done about antisemitism in Europe.