Safe destinations for Jews

Recent incidents in the United States have raised concerns about antisemitism affecting Jewish and Israeli travelers. On January 28, 2026, a man drove a vehicle into the Chabad–Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, in a suspected antisemitic attack. On January 10, 2026, an arson attack severely damaged the Beth Israel Congregation synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi; the suspect admitted to targeting the synagogue due to its "Jewish ties." Additionally, a 2025 survey by the American Jewish Committee found that 91% of American Jews feel less safe due to recent violent antisemitic attacks. The Israeli government's travel advisory for the United States remains "safe to travel," indicating no significant change in the overall safety assessment.

Recent events in Australia, particularly the tragic mass shooting at a Jewish festival in Sydney, underscore significant safety concerns for Jewish and Israeli travelers. The accused, Naveed Akram, faces multiple charges related to this incident, which is characterized as one of Australia's worst terrorist acts in nearly three decades. The Israeli government currently advises caution when traveling to Australia, indicating heightened risks. Overall, antisemitism appears to have increased in recent weeks, necessitating heightened awareness for travelers.

The Jewish community in the UK is currently facing increased antisemitism, particularly in public spaces, highlighted by recent harassment incidents, including that of comedian Matt Lucas. A foiled terror plot targeting Jews has also raised concerns about safety. Despite these incidents, governmental actions are in place to protect the community, yet travelers should remain cautious given the rising hostility. Recent court rulings and protests have stirred anxiety, reinforcing the need for vigilance while traveling.

Recent reports indicate a concerning rise in antisemitic incidents across Canada, including vandalism, harassment, and violence. Notably, a synagogue in Winnipeg was defaced with swastikas in early January 2026, and a 14-year-old was charged for making antisemitic calls to Jewish institutions in the Toronto area. Additionally, a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge on February 10, 2026, resulted in nine fatalities, with the perpetrator's prior antisemitic online activity raising concerns. The Canadian government has acknowledged these issues, with B'nai Brith Canada urging the establishment of a commission on antisemitism amid rising hate crimes. Given these developments and the Israeli government's travel advisory urging caution, travelers are advised to exercise heightened vigilance when visiting Canada.

Jewish/Israeli travelers to Ireland should exercise caution. In recent months, Ireland has witnessed a concerning rise in antisemitic incidents, with the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland reporting over 100 incidents in the first four months of 2025. Notable incidents include the defacement of roads with antisemitic graffiti in County Louth in early January 2026, and multiple cases of vandalism and hate crimes. In December 2025, Taoiseach Micheál Martin emphasized the need to protect the Jewish community, stating there is no place for antisemitism in Ireland, and called for increased Holocaust education. Given the Israeli government's travel advisory to exercise caution and the clear upward trend in incidents, travelers should remain vigilant and stay informed about local conditions.

Recent incidents in France highlight a troubling environment for Jewish/Israeli travelers. A 13-year-old boy was attacked by five assailants with antisemitic intent, and a Jewish school was vandalized. Many incidents indicate a persistent theme of hostility toward Jews. French President Macron has pledged to enhance laws against antisemitism, reflecting ongoing concerns. The diplomatic ties between France and Israel remain complex amid heightened antisemitism. Current Israeli travel advisories recommend caution when traveling.

Germany is currently facing a significant rise in antisemitic incidents and hostility toward Jewish communities. Notable events include threats received by the Munich Jewish Community, arson attacks against an antisemitism commissioner, and an attack on a kosher café in Leipzig. The Israeli government has issued a travel warning, advising heightened precaution. The overall trend indicates an increase in antisemitic activity, impacting Jewish and Israeli travelers' safety.

Recent events in Spain have raised concerns for Jewish and Israeli travelers. In January 2026, over 20 Jewish graves were desecrated in Barcelona's Les Corts cemetery, an act condemned by local authorities. Additionally, an online map labeling Jewish and Israeli sites as 'Zionist' was removed after backlash from the Jewish community. The Spanish government has condemned antisemitism and all forms of discrimination. Given these incidents and the Israeli government's 'be cautious when traveling' advisory, travelers should exercise heightened vigilance.

Recent reports indicate a rise in antisemitic incidents in Italy, including a significant increase in reported cases and a stabbing attack in Rome. The Italian government has responded by proposing legislation to ban antisemitic rallies and adopting stricter security measures. Given these developments and the Israeli government's travel advisory urging travelers to exercise caution, Jewish and Israeli travelers are advised to remain vigilant and stay informed about local conditions.

In recent months, Switzerland has experienced a notable increase in antisemitic incidents, including assaults on Jewish individuals in Zurich and Lucerne. The Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities (SIG) reports a significant rise in such incidents since October 2023, with 103 antisemitic statements recorded in 2024 compared to 38 in the previous year. In response, Zurich has doubled its funding for synagogue security to CHF 8 million. Despite these challenges, the Israeli government maintains a travel advisory status of "safe to travel" for Switzerland, recommending standard precautions.

Recent developments indicate a significant deterioration in the safety of Jewish and Israeli travelers to Iran. The Israeli government has issued a 'do not travel' warning, categorizing Iran as 'very dangerous.' This advisory is based on escalating hostilities, including Iranian officials chanting 'Death to America and Israel' during the anniversary of the Islamic revolution on February 11, 2026. Additionally, Iran executed Hamidreza Sabet Esmaeilipour on January 28, 2026, accusing him of espionage for Israel, amidst rising tensions and multiple executions for similar charges. These actions underscore the heightened risks for Jewish and Israeli individuals in Iran.

Recent reports indicate a rise in antisemitic incidents in Belgium, including physical assaults and harassment targeting Jewish individuals. Notably, in December 2025, four men threw firecrackers at Jewish pedestrians in Antwerp, and a man physically assaulted a Jewish person. Additionally, in January 2026, the Belgian consulate halted consular services for citizens residing in Israeli settlements, leading to criticism from Jewish groups. These developments have contributed to an atmosphere of increased vigilance and concern within the Jewish community. Given the Israeli government's travel advisory to exercise caution when traveling to Belgium, it is advisable for Jewish and Israeli travelers to remain vigilant and stay informed about local developments.

As of February 5, 2026, there have been no reported antisemitic incidents, hostility toward Israelis or Jews, or violence specifically targeting Jews in India in the past year. The Israeli government has issued a travel warning for India, advising against all visits to regions such as Kashmir due to high terror threats, while other areas are considered to have moderate danger. Diplomatic relations between Israel and India remain strong, with ongoing cooperation in various sectors.

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 incidents in Poland have raised concerns for Jewish and Israeli travelers. On January 10, 2026, an Israeli youth judo delegation faced antisemitic harassment and physical assault in Bielsko-Biała. On January 27, 2026, a Bnei Brak rabbi was targeted in a viral antisemitic incident at Kraków Airport. Additionally, in November 2025, Polish far-right MP Grzegorz Braun made inflammatory remarks outside Auschwitz, leading to public outrage and legal actions. Despite these events, Poland remains among the countries with the lowest number of antisemitic acts in Europe. The Israeli government currently considers Poland safe for travel, advising travelers to exercise normal precautions.

In the past year, the Netherlands has experienced a significant rise in antisemitic incidents, with 421 recorded in 2024, marking an 11% increase from 2023. This surge underscores a rapidly worsening trend, with the average number of incidents between 2012 and 2022 being 138 per year. Notably, in December 2025, Amsterdam witnessed a violent anti-Jewish protest following the Bondi Beach terror attack, leading to heightened security measures. Additionally, in November 2024, riots in Amsterdam were described as an 'anti-Semitic pogrom' by Israeli President Isaac Herzog. These developments have prompted the Israeli government to issue a 'be cautious when traveling' advisory for the Netherlands. Given the escalating antisemitic climate, Jewish and Israeli travelers are advised to exercise heightened vigilance and remain informed about local developments.

Recent developments in Turkey have raised concerns for Jewish and Israeli travelers. In January 2026, a Turkish Member of Parliament called for a ban on Holocaust films, marking a significant antisemitic incident. Additionally, large-scale pro-Palestinian protests in Istanbul on January 1, 2026, attracted over 500,000 participants, potentially leading to heightened tensions. These events, coupled with Turkey's suspension of all imports and exports to Israel in protest against Israel's military actions in Gaza, have strained diplomatic relations. Given the Israeli government's 'do not travel to destination, very dangerous' warning, the severity level is assessed as dangerous.

Recent incidents in Ukraine have raised concerns for Jewish and Israeli travelers. On January 15, 2026, nine Israeli tourists were detained at the Ukrainian-Moldovan border due to a misunderstanding involving a packet of salt, leading to stress and missed flights. Additionally, on January 14, 2026, a group of ultra-Orthodox Israelis was attacked near the Ukraine-Poland border; an individual shouted antisemitic slurs and threw objects at their vehicle. While the Israeli government advises caution when traveling to Ukraine, these incidents highlight potential challenges for Jewish and Israeli visitors.

As of January 7, 2026, there have been no recent reports of antisemitic incidents, hostility toward Israelis or Jews, or violence specifically targeting Jews in Venezuela. The Israeli government has issued a travel advisory for Venezuela, categorizing the shared border area with Colombia as 'dangerous' (Level 4), recommending avoidance, and advising in other parts of the country to exercise increased caution (Level 2). Given the absence of recent antisemitic incidents and the current travel advisory, the safety level for Jewish and Israeli travelers is assessed as 'caution'.

In the past year, Argentina has experienced a notable increase in antisemitic incidents, with 687 reported in 2024, a 15% rise from 2023. A significant event occurred in January 2026 when a forest fire in Patagonia was falsely blamed on Israelis, leading to antisemitic conspiracy theories and threats against the local Jewish community. Despite these challenges, Argentina maintains a diplomatic relationship with Israel, and the Israeli government has not issued a travel warning for the country. Therefore, the safety level for Jewish and Israeli travelers is assessed as "safe."