Safe destinations for Jews

Recent reports indicate a concerning trend of antisemitic incidents in the United States. In 2024, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recorded 9,354 incidents of harassment, vandalism, and assault, marking a 5% increase from 2023 and the highest total since tracking began in 1979. Notably, 58% of these incidents were linked to opposition to Israel, particularly in the context of the Gaza conflict. In March 2026, a violent attack occurred in San Jose, California, where two Jewish men were assaulted after being overheard speaking Hebrew; the incident is being investigated as a hate crime. Additionally, a federal judge is considering enforcing a subpoena for records from the University of Pennsylvania amid claims of a hostile environment for Jewish faculty. While the Israeli government currently deems the U.S. safe for travel, travelers should remain vigilant and stay informed about local developments.

Recent incidents in Australia indicate a concerning trend towards antisemitism, with violent acts, including firebombing and arrests for hate speech, highlighting risks for Jewish and Israeli travelers. Although the Israeli government advises caution when traveling, ongoing diplomatic relations remain relatively strong. The atmosphere shows an increase in incidents, affecting community safety amid rising tensions around protests and demonstrations.

The safety context for Jewish/Israeli travelers in the UK is marked by recent antisemitic incidents, including assaults and a series of protests against Israel, causing heightened tension. The UK government has responded by banning specific pro-Palestinian marches due to concerns over public disorder and antisemitic activity. Consequently, while travelers should exercise caution, particularly in urban areas where incidents have occurred, ongoing monitoring is essential as the situation develops. Current government warnings suggest adopting heightened security measures.

Recent incidents in Canada indicate rising antisemitic violence, particularly in Toronto, where three synagogues were shot at in March. In response, the Canadian government has pledged funding to enhance security for Jewish communities. While there is heightened concern among Jewish travelers, the Israeli government's travel status advises caution rather than a severe warning, reflecting a need for vigilance during travel, given recent events.

Germany has experienced a significant rise in antisemitic incidents over the past year, with 8,627 cases documented in 2024, marking an 80% increase from the previous year. This surge includes violent attacks, property damage, and threats targeting Jewish individuals and institutions. In response, the Israeli government has issued a medium threat warning for travelers to Germany, advising heightened caution. Recent events, such as the arrest of a Yemeni man attempting to break into the Israeli Consulate in Munich while shouting anti-Israel slogans, underscore the ongoing security concerns. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant, stay informed about local developments, and adhere to safety guidelines provided by authorities.

Recent antisemitic incidents in France have raised alarms. In February 2026, a Jewish boy was assaulted in Paris, and a kosher restaurant was vandalized multiple times. President Macron has announced stronger laws against antisemitism. The general atmosphere indicates a persistent risk for Jewish travelers, leading to the Israeli government's cautious travel advisory. Overall, the environment remains tense but the government is addressing the issues.

Recent reports indicate a concerning rise in antisemitic incidents in Ireland, with 143 cases documented between July 2025 and January 2026. These incidents include verbal abuse, vandalism, threats, and digital hate messages. The Irish government has condemned these acts and is committed to countering all forms of antisemitism. Given the Israeli government's travel advisory to exercise caution, travelers should remain vigilant and stay informed about local developments.

The Israeli government has issued a 'do not travel' warning for Iran, categorizing it as 'very dangerous' for Israeli citizens. Recent developments have escalated tensions, including Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei vowing continued attacks on U.S. and Israeli targets, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) pledging to persist in assaults on U.S. and Zionist entities until the threat of war is eliminated. Additionally, a National Security Council official has warned of a new Iranian terror campaign targeting Israelis in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. These actions reflect a hostile stance toward Israel and Jews, indicating a high level of risk for Jewish and Israeli travelers in the region.

Recent events in Spain indicate a concerning environment for Jewish and Israeli travelers, highlighted by harassment incidents targeting Israeli tourists and vandalism of Jewish graves in Barcelona. The Spanish government warns to exercise caution while traveling due to increased antisemitism and hostility. Previous actions, including protests supporting Palestine, have contributed to a rising trend of antisemitic sentiments, though significant government engagement against such acts shows some counteraction. Overall, travelers should remain vigilant.

Recent reports indicate a persistent high level of antisemitic incidents in Switzerland. In 2025, online antisemitic incidents surged by 37% compared to the previous year, with nearly 2,200 cases recorded. The majority of these incidents occurred on the Telegram messaging app, with conspiracy theories being the most frequent type. Real-world incidents decreased by approximately 20% to 177 cases but remain significantly higher than pre-2023 levels. In February 2026, an Orthodox Jewish man was assaulted in Zurich by an individual who shouted antisemitic slurs while repeatedly punching him. Bystanders intervened, and the suspect, a 40-year-old Kosovo resident, was arrested. The Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities condemned the attack, highlighting a broader rise in antisemitic incidents in Switzerland since October 2023. Despite these challenges, the Israeli government maintains a 'safe to travel' status for Switzerland, advising travelers to exercise normal precautions.

Recent events in Belgium indicate a concerning trend for Jewish/Israeli travelers. An explosion outside a synagogue in Liège on March 9, 2026, is being investigated as an antisemitic act, although no injuries were reported. The Belgian government condemned the act and is enhancing security measures. Given the government travel warning to exercise caution when traveling, the situation remains tense, but no escalated violence has been reported in recent weeks.

Recent reports indicate a significant rise in antisemitic incidents in the Netherlands, with 421 cases documented in 2024, marking an 11% increase from the previous year. This surge is attributed to heightened tensions following the Gaza conflict. Notably, in November 2024, violent clashes occurred in Amsterdam, resulting in injuries to Israeli tourists and local residents. In response, the Dutch government has implemented measures such as banning two Israeli ministers from entering the country and reevaluating arms exports to Israel. These developments have led Israel to issue a 'caution' travel advisory for the Netherlands.

Italy has experienced a significant rise in antisemitic incidents, with a record 963 cases reported in 2025, nearly quadrupling since 2022. Recent events include the assault of two Argentine Jewish tourists in Milan on March 1, 2026, and the cancellation of Holocaust Remembrance Day events in Milan due to escalating security concerns. The Italian government has responded by proposing legislation to ban antisemitic rallies and adopting stricter security measures. Given the Israeli government's 'be cautious when traveling' advisory, travelers should exercise heightened vigilance.

Recent reports indicate a rise in antisemitic sentiments in India, particularly following the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a US–Israel strike. Protests erupted across the country, with demonstrators chanting anti-Israel and anti-US slogans. Additionally, the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has issued advisories urging Indian nationals to exercise caution and avoid non-essential travel due to heightened regional tensions. Given these developments and the Israeli government's travel warning, travelers are advised to exercise caution when visiting India.

Recent events in Turkey have raised significant concerns for Jewish and Israeli travelers. A public exhibit in Antalya displayed antisemitic imagery reminiscent of medieval blood libel accusations, sparking condemnation from the Combat Antisemitism Movement. Additionally, an Israeli-Turkish dual national was arrested in Istanbul for past service in the IDF, highlighting potential risks for Israeli citizens. Given these developments and the Israeli government's 'do not travel' advisory, the safety level is assessed as dangerous.

Recent developments in South Africa have raised concerns for Jewish and Israeli travelers. On January 30, 2026, South Africa expelled Israel's deputy ambassador, Ariel Seidman, citing "insulting attacks" on President Cyril Ramaphosa and violations of diplomatic norms. This action has led to heightened tensions between the two nations. Additionally, on February 8, 2026, Roedean School for Girls in Johannesburg canceled a scheduled tennis match against King David High School Linksfield, a Jewish institution, leading to allegations of antisemitism. The South African Jewish Board of Deputies condemned the decision as discriminatory. These incidents, coupled with the Israeli government's "medium threat" travel warning for South Africa, suggest a "warning" severity level for Jewish and Israeli travelers.

Recent reports indicate a decline in antisemitic incidents in Poland over the past year, with no significant events reported in the last 30 days. The Israeli government's travel advisory for Poland remains at 'safe to travel,' advising travelers to exercise normal precautions. Poland has a history of positive diplomatic relations with Israel, including actions such as protecting Israeli officials from potential arrest and facilitating the return of Jewish cultural artifacts. Given the current low level of antisemitic activity and the stable diplomatic ties, Poland is considered a safe destination for Jewish and Israeli travelers.

In the past year, Argentina has experienced several antisemitic incidents, including false accusations blaming Israelis for wildfires in Patagonia and the suspension of a physician for antisemitic social media posts. The Argentine government has responded by reinforcing security at Jewish community venues and halting plans to move its embassy to Jerusalem amid diplomatic tensions. Despite these challenges, the Israeli government maintains a 'safe to travel' advisory for Argentina, indicating a stable environment for Jewish and Israeli travelers.

As of March 12, 2026, the Israeli government has issued a 'do not travel to destination, very dangerous' warning for Lebanon, advising against entry and overflights. Recent events have escalated tensions, including Israeli airstrikes in Beirut and southern suburbs, targeting Hezbollah positions and resulting in civilian casualties. The Lebanese government has called for direct peace talks with Israel to halt the violence, but these efforts have been rejected by Israel, which is focused on defeating Hezbollah. Given the ongoing military operations and heightened risks, the safety level for Jewish and Israeli travelers is assessed as 'dangerous'.

Recent developments in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have heightened safety concerns for Jewish and Israeli travelers. In August 2025, Israel's National Security Council issued a Level 3 travel warning, advising against non-essential travel to the UAE due to increased threats from terrorist organizations such as Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Global Jihad. This warning was prompted by intelligence indicating a rise in efforts to target Israeli and Jewish individuals, particularly around Jewish holidays and Shabbat. In response to these threats, Israel evacuated most of its diplomatic staff and their families from the UAE in late July 2025. Additionally, the U.S. Mission to the UAE advised American citizens to avoid locations associated with the Jewish and Israeli communities, including places of worship, due to potential threats. These actions underscore the elevated security risks for Jewish and Israeli travelers in the UAE.