Anti-Semitism: what is the threat to those who attack Jews?

What is anti-Semitism and why it is dangerous

If you ask what is anti-Semitism, the simplest answer is: It is prejudiced hatred and discrimination against Jews as a group. But anti-Semitism is not just a historical concept associated with Nazism. Unfortunately, it is still present today – on social media, in public space, sometimes even in schools and workplaces.

Anti-Semitism can take many forms:

• insults like “Jews are to blame”
• conspiracy theories about a “Jewish conspiracy”
• questioning the Holocaust
• threats and harassment
• attacks on synagogues or Jewish cemeteries

According to the Federation of Jewish Communities’ (FJC) annual report on anti-Semitism , the majority of anti-Semitic speech in the Czech Republic takes place online – up to 98% of the time on the Internet, mainly in the form of hateful comments and sharing of extremist content.

The number of recorded anti-Semitic incidents in the Czech Republic reached an all-time high in 2024. In one year alone, a total of 4,694 incidents were recorded, an increase of more than 8% compared to 2023 (when there were 4,328 incidents). The report also notes that although the rate of growth has slowed, the severity and aggressiveness of anti-Semitic speech has increased significantly since the events of 7 October 2023.

It is important for victims to know that these are not just “inappropriate views” – it is attacks like these that can fulfill the elements of crimes such as defamation of a nation, incitement to hatred or genocide denial. The data thus clearly show that anti-Semitism remains a current problem, which has not only a social but also a legal dimension.

If you are facing attacks or hate speech, it makes sense to address the situation as soon as possible – not least because of the evidence.

Who is an anti-Semite and when does their behavior violate the law

The word anti-Semite refers to a person who holds hostile attitudes towards Jews or actively spreads hateful stereotypes. Not everyone who makes a stupid joke immediately commits a crime. However, the Czech legal system makes it clear that certain speech is already beyond the pale.

Typically, this is when an anti-Semite:

• publicly insults Jews as a group,
• incites hatred or violence,
• endorses Nazi crimes,
• denies or minimizes the Holocaust.

One of the most famous Czech cases in which anti-Semitism was punished in court is the case of politician Adam B. Bartoš, former chairman of the National Democracy party. He had long been publicly committing anti-Jewish statements and disseminating texts which, according to the court, exceeded the limits of freedom of speech and fulfilled the elements of the crime of incitement to hatred. For example, Bartoš published materials in which he referred to Jews as enemies and spread stereotypes typical of extremist propaganda. The court therefore found him guilty and imposed a two-year suspended sentence.

This case is particularly important for victims of anti-Semitism because it shows that it is not only physical attacks that are punishable, but also “mere words” – if they are intended to humiliate a group of people, spread hatred or incite hostility towards Jews.

Legal protection of the dignity and safety of minorities thus extends to online space and public speech, which can be as devastating to victims as direct violence.

In 2024, a total of 4 694 anti-Semitic incidents were recorded in the Czech Republic, the highest number ever.

How the perpetrator of anti-Semitism should be punished and what he faces

Victims of anti-Semitism often ask how the perpetrator should be punished and whether it makes sense to go to the police or the courts. It is in these situations that it is important to know that the Czech legal system does not only consider anti-Semitism to be a socially unacceptable attitude, but in many cases can punish it as a criminal offence. The Criminal Code contains several provisions that protect minorities from hate speech, insults and the dissemination of extremist propaganda.

One of the most common offences in this area is defamation of a nation, race or ethnic group under section 355 of the Criminal Code. If a person publicly insults, ridicules or spreads derogatory stereotypes about Jews as a group, he or she may be guilty of a crime punishable by several years’ imprisonment. Importantly, it does not have to be a physical attack – even words can be legally punishable if they interfere with the human dignity and safety of a particular group.

Very closely related to this is the offence of incitement to hatred under section 356. This is often applied in particular to hate speech on the internet, where there are calls for hatred or violence against Jews, endorsement of attacks or the dissemination of extremist ideologies. A typical feature of these acts is that their aim is not only to offend a particular person, but to provoke hostility towards an entire group. That is why the law considers such acts dangerous and allows for their criminal punishment.

The provisions of Section 405 of the Criminal Code, which punishes denial, questioning or approval of genocide, including the Holocaust, are also quite crucial. This offence is specifically aimed at situations where the perpetrator publicly downplays Nazi crimes or disseminates material denying them. The law here provides for a prison sentence of between six months and three years. Moreover, the Supreme Court has repeatedly confirmed that it is not only the authorship of such texts that is criminal, but also their further dissemination – for example, if someone forwards such denialist material or publishes it on social media.

An example is the case where the police reopened a criminal prosecution in connection with the publication of a Holocaust denial book entitled Holocaust Under the Magnifying Glass. Several individuals and companies are facing charges in this case, which shows that the Czech authorities are not condoning such behaviour and that prosecutions in this area are indeed taking place. Holocaust denial is therefore not only morally unacceptable, but is one of the crimes that is actively being investigated in the Czech Republic.

Up to 80% of European Jews said they had experienced an increase in anti-Semitism in their country in the past year.

Antisemitism in the online space

Today, victims are very often confronted with anti-Semitism also in the online space. Hateful comments, threatening messages or the spread of offensive memes can be just as intimidating for victims as speech in public spaces. The Internet is not anonymous and impunity-free. In a number of cases, the courts have already imposed suspended sentences or community service on offenders for hate speech on Facebook or in discussions. Therefore, if a person faces attacks on social media, there is no reason to believe that the perpetrator will ‘hide behind a screen’.

As a practical matter, it is very important for victims to preserve evidence, such as screenshots, links to posts, or testimony from others. It is this evidence that can greatly assist in criminal reporting and subsequent police action.

If you are unsure whether a particular act already meets the elements of a crime, it is advisable to contact a lawyer who can assess the situation legally and help you seek protection and fair punishment for the perpetrator.

What a victim of anti-Semitism can do

If you are the target of anti-Semitism, it can be very difficult to find your way around at first. Many victims feel that such attacks are not worth dealing with, especially if they take place on the internet or take the form of verbal abuse. However, the Czech legal system also provides protection in these situations and victims have the possibility to defend themselves through legal means.

The basic step is always to preserve evidence. It is important to ensure that screenshots, links, copies of messages or, where appropriate, video recordings are provided, especially in the case of hate speech on social networks, in discussions or in private messages. Without these, it can be very difficult to prove later exactly what the perpetrator posted or how he or she intimidated the victim.

The next possible step is to file criminal charges. If the conduct meets the elements of a criminal offence, the perpetrator can be investigated and, in extreme cases, convicted. This applies not only to physical attacks, but also to hate speech, threats or Holocaust denial. In some cases, it may also involve discrimination, where the victim may seek an apology, removal of the offending conduct or financial compensation.

Almost half of Jewish respondents in Europe have considered emigrating because they do not feel safe in their country.

It is in these situations that it is very useful to contact a lawyer. A lawyer can help assess whether a particular act has crossed the line of the law, what offence may be involved and how to proceed so that the matter is not dismissed as “mere insults”. An attorney is also particularly useful if the attacks continue, escalate, there are threats, stalking, or if the victim has a legitimate fear for his or her safety.

Our attorneys can help you prepare a criminal complaint, communicate with the police, and pursue claims for personal injury or compensation. If you are facing anti-Semitism, there is no need to be alone in the situation – legal help can be a key step in holding the perpetrator accountable and ensuring that the victim receives protection and justice.

Anti-Semitism is a serious problem that impinges on human dignity and safety. If you are the target of hate crime, you have the right to protection and the perpetrator can be punished with imprisonment. You are not alone. If you need help, contact us – we will assess your case and help you take legal action.

Checklist

• Is the attack targeting Jews as a group?
• Is it public or spread further?
• Does it contain threats or calls to hate?
• Does it deny the Holocaust or endorse Nazism?
• Does it have a real impact on your dignity or safety?

If so, it is very likely that it is already a punishable act.

Summary

Anti-Semitism is a form of hatred and discrimination directed against Jews, which today often manifests itself not only in the public sphere, but especially on the Internet, where, according to the Federation of Jewish Communities, up to 98% of anti-Semitic incidents occur. In 2024, a record 4 694 incidents were recorded in the Czech Republic, which is the highest number ever and proof that the severity and aggressiveness of these attacks is increasing. Moreover, according to data from the European Agency for Fundamental Rights, up to 80% of European Jews perceive an increase in anti-Semitism and almost half have considered emigrating because they do not feel safe in their country. The Czech Criminal Code allows perpetrators of anti-Semitism to be punished for, for example, defamation of a nation, incitement to hatred or Holocaust denial, while even “mere words” can constitute a criminal offence if they humiliate a group of people or spread hatred, as shown, for example, by the conviction of politician Adam B. Bartoš. Victims can defend themselves by preserving evidence, filing a criminal complaint and, if necessary, with the help of an attorney who can ensure a proper legal assessment and help seek protection, compensation and fair punishment for the perpetrator.