A new report from the EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalization, titled “Unpacking Contemporary Antisemitism and Radicalisation”, spotlights the deepening links between antisemitic narratives and extremist recruitment and features contributions from the Counter Extremism Project (CEP). The report, produced for the European Commission, examines how antisemitism spreads through online ecosystems and how these narratives feed broader radicalization trends. It includes references to CEP’s research, analyses, and podcasts exploring transnational extremist networks, as well as the organization’s ARCHER initiative, which is transforming the former home of Auschwitz’s commandant, Rudolf Höss, into an international center for education and counter-extremism.

"Overall, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to radicalize various milieus, including the Islamist extremist milieu," says terror expert Hans-Jakob Schindler, Director of the Counter Extremism Project in Berlin, in an interview with Ippen.Media's Münchner Merkur. The number of people who are open to Hamas propaganda narratives is growing rapidly in Germany, Europe and North America. This also increases the risk of possible acts of violence and attacks, according to Schindler. Anti-Semitic narratives, often renamed "anti-Zionism" in their current form, are becoming increasingly normalized: "This is also a driver of radicalization." He sees the latest arrests in Berlin as confirmation of this theory. "Since the summer of 2023, the terrorist group has apparently been trying to carry out attacks in Germany and Berlin in particular." Meanwhile, pressure is increasing on Hamas, which is losing supporters following the fall of the Assad regime and the weakening of Iran. "Unfortunately, it can be assumed that the terrorist group will continue to try to carry out terrorist activities in Europe," believes Schindler.

Report mentions Counter Extremism Project, ARCHER at House 88, CEP Senior Advisor Alexander Ritzmann, and ARCHER Director Jacek Purski: "The conflict in the Middle East in general, and especially since 7 October 2023, has led to a significant increase in reported (violent) antisemitic incidents. A recent report by the Counter Extremism Project (CEP) shows that France and Germany experience some of the highest rates of reported antisemitic incidents in Europe, with a notable increase in physical violence.  Importantly, organised and professional antisemitic groups and networks are often behind the support or calls for violence. Investigating and prosecuting them would require a new approach similar to combatting organised crime."

CEP Senior Director Dr. Hans-Jakob Schindler interviewed on the situation with Hamas and antisemitism. 

But what about the protection of synagogues in the UK? Terrorism expert Dr Hans-Jakob Schindler from the Counter Extremism Project explains that some protective measures did work in Manchester - for example, the attacker was unable to enter the synagogue and the police were probably "extremely quick on the scene". However, what did not work and now needs to be investigated is the lack of barriers around the synagogue, especially for traffic, explained Schindler. Given the large Jewish community in Manchester, it would have been natural to assume that significantly more worshippers would come to the synagogue on Yom Kippur than on normal days, says Schindler.

‘Are you living a double standard when it comes to Israel?’ Counter Extremism Project Senior Director Dr Hans-Jakob Schindler says the Israel-Gaza conflict has allowed Hamas to ‘instil a victim’ narrative, which has facilitated a ‘higher comfort level’ with antisemitism.

Shortly after the arrest of three suspected Hamas supporters in Berlin, a deadly attack on visitors to a synagogue in Manchester, England, occurred. Terrorism expert [CEP Senior Director] Hans-Jakob Schindler assesses the threat situation and reflects on the renewed debate about easier passport confiscation.

In the area of "politically motivated crimes (PMK) on the left", the increase was particularly high at 172%, specifically 109 offenses (2023: 40). Experts view this with concern. "With Israel-related anti-Semitism, one topic has simply become much more prominent in the left-wing extremist scene since October 2023," explains extremism expert Hans-Jakob Schindler, Director of the Counter Extremism Project in Berlin, in an interview with Ippen.Media's Münchner Merkur. Although this form of anti-Semitism has always existed in some left-wing extremist circles, "it has become the dominant theme at times since October 2023." Meanwhile, the number of violent crimes committed by right-wing extremists has risen. Experts like Schindler have been observing this phenomenon for some time. "The propensity for violence in the right-wing extremist scene is increasing significantly," says Schindler.