(Berlin/New York, N.Y.) – The Counter Extremism Project (CEP) released a groundbreaking research and policy report titled The Role of Antisemitism in the Mobilization to Violence by Extremist and Terrorist Actors, commissioned by the German Federal Foreign Office. CEP Senior Advisor Alexander Ritzmann, along with five contributors from CEP and other institutions, will present the report at the Foreign Office in Berlin today. 

Analyzing developments in France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, and the United States, the study reveals how antisemitism is not merely a byproduct of extremist ideologies, but a core strategic tool used to recruit, radicalize, and justify violence across the ideological spectrum—from right-wing and Islamist to left-wing extremist actors.

Key findings include:

• Widespread Instrumentalization of Antisemitism: Extremist groups adopt antisemitic narratives to frame Jewish communities as scapegoats or threats. These narratives are adapted to local contexts and can serve to mobilize supporters and incite violence.
• Post–October 7 Spike: Following the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023 and the subsequent conflict, there was a marked surge in antisemitic rhetoric and incidents globally. Extremist groups—including extreme-right, Islamist, extreme-left, and pro-Palestinian actors—have intensified their antisemitic rhetoric, often cloaked in antizionist language.
• Transnational Organized Antisemitic Networks: The report emphasizes that the concept of combatting organized antisemitism should be added to strategies aimed at targeting antisemitic actors. Such professional, organized antisemitic actors often operate in (transnational) networks, utilizing online platforms and offline activities to propagate hate and justify or conduct violence.
• State-Sponsored Antisemitism: The report highlights the roles of Iran and Russia in promoting antisemitic propaganda and supporting extremist proxies.

The report calls for urgent policy action, including:

• Disruption of organized antisemitic networks and actors.
• Strengthened data collection and cross-border information sharing.
• Regulation and enforcement targeting online hate speech.
• Tailored education and prevention programs to build societal resilience.

“This report underscores the urgency of viewing antisemitism not only as a social ill but as a security threat,” said CEP lead author Alexander Ritzmann. “We must move beyond counting antisemitic incidents and get better at combatting organized, professional and transnational antisemitic networks.”

The full report is available on CEP’s website, here.

To learn more about CEP’s new Auschwitz Research Center on Hate, Extremism and Radicalization (ARCHER) at House 88, the former home of the commandant of the concentration camp, Rudolf Höss, and how to support this new effort, please check here.

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