Europe (MNN) – A new UNESCO report shows surging levels of antisemitism among young people in Europe. According to the study, more than three-quarters of teachers in the EU have encountered antisemitic incidents in their classrooms, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem across the region.
Pastor Kostia Tsivin with Beit Hallel Congregation in Ashdod, Israel says he’s not surprised by the report.
(Photo by RDNE Stock project: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-boy-wearing-traditional-headwear-6114279/)
“We see how many Jewish people who go just as tourists to Europe or live there, they have big problems and they live in real fear. They are scared for their lives, for the lives of their kids.
“I think we will see more and more Jewish people who will come to Israel from Europe in upcoming months and years because antisemitism will continue to rise.”
Antisemitism has been increasing globally in recent years, with a sharp rise in incidents following the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel. Across Europe, Jewish communities have reported heightened threats, harassment, and violence.
Pastor Tsivin says when he travels to Europe now, he exercises greater caution as a Jewish pastor from Israel.
“When you’re somewhere in…public places, of course, you just use another language. Usually, you don’t speak Hebrew loudly because…if you can, it’s better to use any other language. No attention to yourself, because you understand that these attacks and this hate to Jewish people is real.
(Photo courtesy of DAVIDSON L U N A via Unsplash)
“For example, I know Russian. It’s my first language. I’m Jewish from Russia originally; I was born there. So if I’m somewhere in Europe, especially in the cities where I know that antisemitism is on a high level, I use Russian or English.”
Even amid rising tensions, Messianic Jewish believers continue to share the Gospel and meet practical needs.
“War is a time when people are more open because when you are in fear…you start to think about God [and] something bigger than your life,” says Tsivin. “It’s a time when people are ready to hear; they are ready to receive. So pray that we can reach more people with the Gospel.”
Pray also for Jewish people to know their God-given value and find hope in Christ.
“Every prayer is really important now, and we feel all the prayers. It’s so touching when you know thousands and thousands of people are praying for Israel, for the Church, and of course for our church, especially.”
Learn more about Beit Hallel’s ministry at beithallel-israel.org.
Header photo: EU flag (Photo courtesy of Alexey Larionov/Unsplash)
