Jewish community in Germany faces increased threats amid global tensions

The Jewish community in Germany is experiencing an escalation in threat levels following the terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas in October 2023. This heightened sense of danger is attributed to alleged plans by Iranian networks to target Jewish individuals and institutions within Germany.

Robby Rajber, a former president of the Jewish sports club Makkabi München, finds himself under police protection since 2024. German authorities feared a potential attack on him, leading to his accompaniment by armed bodyguards for several months. 'I have done nothing wrong other than being Jewish,' Rajber stated in an interview, reflecting the tense atmosphere many Jewish people are facing.

This case symbolizes a broader trend felt across the Jewish community in Germany, which has been increasingly on edge since the deadly Hamas attacks in 2023. Historically, synagogues, schools, and kindergartens have been under police watch. However, the aftermath of the terrorist attack has seen a marked increase in perceived threats.

An array of hostile actors, including Islamist extremists and right-wing groups, now contribute to the overall danger. Additionally, intelligence suggests possible Iranian oversight in plotting assaults on pro-Israeli and Jewish targets.

The years following the 2023 attacks have seen a significant rise in antisemitic incidents. In 2025, the Research and Information Center for Antisemitism (RIAS) documented 8,725 antisemitic incidents across the country. This surge in hostile actions and rhetoric is accompanied by threats against prominent Jewish figures, resulting in expanded security measures.

The Central Council of Jews in Germany has voiced concerns about the normalization of antisemitism in public discourse. They warn of both overt and covert antisemitic behaviors proliferating within German society.

Authorities identified Abdelkrim S. as the suspect against whom Rajber required protection. Abdelkrim S. reportedly conducted reconnaissance on Jewish facilities and private individuals in Munich and Berlin. German security services hypothesize links between Abdelkrim S. and an Iran-associated terror group, suggesting a coordinated effort targeting Jewish communities.

Aside from allegations of networks aligning with foreign entities, there is apprehension over antisemitic sentiments observed from diverse political spectrums, including certain sections of left-wing anti-imperialist groups. These compounding issues contribute to the feeling of insecurity among Jewish residents in Germany.

While the German government and various community organizations continue to work on strengthening security around Jewish communities, the state of alert remains high. The necessity for responsive measures is underscored by the persisting threats and documented incidents of antisemitism, affecting the daily lives of Jewish individuals across the nation.