Press Release

07 October 2024

Report Highlights Alarming Rise in Incidents Against Places of Worship Across Europe on the Anniversary of October 7th Attack in Israel

On the first anniversary of the tragic attack in Israel on October 7th, and the subsequent devastating loss of life and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, a newly released report sheds light on a concerning trend of increasing incidents targeting places of worship throughout Europe. This data reflects a disturbing rise in religious intolerance and violence, prompting urgent calls for collective action to ensure the safety and security of houses of worship.

Enhancing Faith Institutions (EFI) has published this new report, building on the first version of the Safe to Worship in Europe report in 2023, detailing incidents against places of worship in Europe over a one-year period from October 7th 2023. The Safe to Worship in Europe: Incidents Against Places of Worship in the Europe covers incidents against EU member states from October 7th 2023 until October 7th 2024.

The types of incidents documented include vandalism, arson, harassment, and physical assaults targeting various religious communities, including Jewish, Muslim, Christians, and their places of worship & religious centres.

The report confirms that incidents against places of worship are increasing at a concerning rate. Whilst some member states are beginning to address the issue, the report stresses that more support is needed. The European Commission is taking a leading role in this area, providing funding opportunities for organisations to delivery training and guidance to at-risk religious sites across Europe.

Key findings of the report include:

  • An increase in incidents correlating with periods of heightened geopolitical tensions, underscoring the need for global dialogue and conflict resolution.
  • Significant rises in reported incidents in countries with diverse religious populations, emphasising the urgency for interfaith solidarity and cooperation.
  • The continued vulnerability of minority religious communities, which face a disproportionate risk of targeted violence and discrimination.
  • a significant post-October 2023 increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents across Europe, with a significant increase in France, Germany, Italy, and Belgium, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated interventions to protect religious communities

EFI Director Shaukat Warraich explains the aims of the report: ‘It is hoped that, by providing a more accurate picture of the challenges faced, it can help in finding solutions and thereby in ensuring freedom of worship for all communities in Europe. The alarming increase in incidents against places of worship is a stark reminder that religious intolerance and hate remain pervasive in our societies.”

The European Commission in December 2023 promised a €30m fund to increase security at mosques and synagogues across the continent as it condemned a recent rise in levels of antisemitism and Islamophobia as “un-European”. Saying that tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas war had provoked hostility “reminiscent of the darkest days of Europe’s history”, the commission called on social media companies to do more to remove hateful content.

Based on secondary sources obtained from media reports, government agencies and NGOs, the report identifies a sharp increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents across Europe, particularly after October 2023. The Council of Jewish Institutions in France reported 1,676 antisemitic acts in 2023, compared to 436 the previous year. CLAIM documented 1,926 anti-Muslim incidents in Germany in 2023, marking a 114% rise compared to 2022. In Italy, the Antisemitism Observatory recorded 215 antisemitic incidents in the last three months of 2023 alone, nearly matching the 241 incidents reported for the entire previous year. Belgium reported 91 antisemitic hate crimes between October 7th and December 7th, compared to 57 incidents for all of 2022. These figures underscore the need for immediate and coordinated interventions to safeguard places of worship. These statistics are concerning and highlight the urgent need for enhanced intervention and preventive measures to safeguard religious communities across Europe.

Indeed, the report doesn’t stop at findings: it also makes a set of policy recommendations for government agencies, faith-based communities and other stakeholders. These include encouraging reporting of incidents, carrying out risk assessments of places of worship, providing security training for those running them, and promoting cooperation between all stakeholders.

EFI is dedicated to ensuring faith-based communities can practise their religion in freedom and can contribute positively to the societies in which they live.

The full report is available here

For more information, please contact: kaashifa@efiorg.eu