Global Anti-Semitic Incidents Hit a 7-Year High; Study: Jews Likely to Be Harassed by Individuals

Global anti-Semitic incidents reached a seven-year high, a new study found, while social hostilities involving religion declined somewhat in 2013 following a six-year peak, the Forward (Jewish) website reports today (February 28, 2015).

The Pew Research Center's annual study of global restrictions on religion -- released on February 26 -- reported that approximately one-quarter of the world's countries are "grappling with high levels of religious hostilities within their borders."

In the 77 countries in which Jews were harassed, Jews were "much more likely to be harassed by individuals or groups in society than by governments."

The study also reported that in Europe, harassment of Jews and Muslims was "particularly widespread," with Jews experiencing harassment in 34 European countries and Muslims in 32 countries.