Regular reports repeatedly show uptick in antisemitic attacks during conflicts between Israel and Gaza.

The head of a European Jewish group has asked heads of state across Europe to step up security around Jewish institutions and to increase their vigilance and monitoring of known extremist nteworks in light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Rabbi Menachem Margolin, Chairman of the Brussels-based European Jewish Association (EJA), one of the largest federation of Jewish communities, wrote a letter to the European leaders relaying them that Jewish communities across the continent were concerned that it was not a matter of “if” but “when” reprisals against Jews and Jewish Institutions would take place.

Europe wide surveys by agencies such as the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) show that whenever there is a conflict between Israel and Palestinians, there is a marked uptick in incidents of an anti-semitic nature.

Protests outside synagogues around Europe are already taking place and attacks on Jews increasing worldwide.

“Figures prove that whenever Israel is engaged in skirmishes with Palestinian terror groups or others that seek to undermine Israel’s sovereignty, there is a sharp and marked uptick in antisemitic attacks across Europe,’’ wrote Rabbi Margolin in his letter.

“In short, Jews are held responsible. Of course, this runs counter to the spirit and letter of the IHRA definition of antisemitism – namely that Jews should not be held responsible for events in Israel, but also that antisemitism and anti-zionism are two sides of the same coin.’’

“Our association are hearing from our communities that they are concerned that it isn’t a case of ‘if’ but ‘when’ there will be reprisals and acts carried out against them because of the ongoing conflict. These concerns are not without foundation as we have already seen a number of angry demonstrations outside synagogues in parts of Europe.’’