Safe destinations for Jews

Recent events in the United States have seen a rise in antisemitic incidents, including assaults on Jewish worshippers and vandalism at Jewish institutions. Notably, a man was charged with federal hate crimes after attacking a synagogue in Manhattan. Additionally, synagogues nationwide, including those in Cleveland, are training congregants to serve on volunteer security teams in response to increased antisemitic assaults. Despite these challenges, the U.S. government continues to support Jewish communities, with initiatives like the Federal Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism's 15-city National Awareness & Action Tour. While the Israeli government maintains a 'safe to travel' status for the U.S., travelers should remain vigilant and stay informed about local conditions.

In the first half of 2026 the UK recorded 1,926 antisemitic incidents, a 21% increase over the same period in 2025, including an 82% rise in assaults to 135 cases. The escalation is linked to geopolitical tensions, particularly the US-Israel military confrontation with Iran. High-profile attacks include the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green in April 2026, earlier antisemitic stabbings in Croydon and London, and physical attacks on Israeli journalists in Belfast. Schools in Greater Manchester have reported a 'crisis' of antisemitism with Jewish pupils facing harassment, and pro-Palestinian protests using antisemitic tropes continue. The UK government has committed over £250 million to security for Jewish communities, including additional officers protecting synagogues, schools and community centres. The Israeli government advises travelers to exercise increased caution.

Recent events in Australia indicate a concerning atmosphere for Jewish and Israeli travelers. Antisemitic incidents have occurred, including vandalism with hostile messages and testimony questioning the legitimacy of Israel. A Royal Commission on Antisemitism has highlighted fears among Jewish communities, particularly after a tragic attack at a Hanukkah celebration. The Israeli government advises travelers to exercise caution due to this heightened tension.

Antisemitic incidents have escalated in Canada, particularly on university campuses, with reports of threats, vandalism, and physical violence. A recent survey noted that 95.7% of Jewish students experienced antisemitism. Notable incidents include egg-throwing at a Saskatoon synagogue during services and targeted abuse at a Montreal soccer game. In light of this increase, the Israeli government advises travelers to exercise caution. Protests and government actions reflect heightened societal tensions regarding antisemitism.

Italy has seen a rise in antisemitic incidents, including graffiti targeting Jewish symbols and the Prime Minister, and multiple physical assaults on visibly Jewish tourists in Rome — one involving pepper spray and another leading to an arrest — alongside the arrest of a teenager for spreading antisemitic propaganda. A controversial initiative to map Jewish/Israeli tourism, along with forms requesting reports on Jewish/Israeli presence, was condemned and removed by Italian authorities. The Italian government's suspension of defense agreements with Israel and rising far-right rhetoric add to a tense environment. The Israeli government advises travelers to Italy to exercise increased caution; visitors should remain vigilant in public areas.

Jewish and Israeli travelers in Spain should exercise increased caution due to recent antisemitic incidents. A French Jew reported being humiliated, spat on, and fearing for his life by a large crowd outside a Barcelona synagogue. Antisemitic graffiti has been found on a Maimonides statue in Cordoba and on homes in Santa Maria and Mallorca. An Israeli couple also experienced panic during a migrant influx in Ceuta. These events, particularly the direct harassment in Barcelona, indicate a concerning environment for Jewish and Israeli visitors.

Jewish and Israeli travelers should exercise caution in Germany due to rising antisemitic incidents and hostility towards Jews. Recent reports indicate government actions against targeted groups, including a ban on an antisemitic organization and measures to combat public denial of Israel's existence. Despite government commitment to fight antisemitism, incidents of violence and threats continue, reflecting a troubling environment for the Jewish community.

The Israeli government advises increased caution for travelers to Greece. Recent weeks have seen multiple anti-Israel protests across the country, including Athens, Thessaloniki, and Crete, with activists calling for an end to ties with Israel and expressing hostility towards Israeli visitors. Incidents include a mob attack on Israeli tourists in Crete, resulting in injuries, and protests at ports causing passengers to feel threatened. The Foreign Ministry has repeatedly advised citizens to avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols and to exercise increased vigilance, especially around gatherings.

Recent developments in Iran have heightened concerns for Jewish and Israeli travelers. The Israeli government has issued a 'do not travel' warning, categorizing Iran as 'very dangerous.' This advisory is based on escalating tensions, including Iran's hostile rhetoric toward Israel and Jews, and the execution of individuals accused of supporting the 'Zionist regime.' Additionally, Iran's Revolutionary Guards have declared they have not ceased weapon production and stated that all options would be open in a potential war, reflecting ongoing hostile rhetoric. Given these factors, the safety level for Jewish and Israeli travelers is assessed as 'dangerous.'

The Israeli government advises travelers to France to exercise increased caution. Recent incidents in the last 30 days include the burglary and theft of 12 Torah scrolls from a synagogue in Levallois, a foiled attack targeting a synagogue in Sarcelles leading to multiple arrests, antisemitic threats, Nazi salutes, and the vandalism of a Holocaust memorial plaque in Paris. Pro-Palestinian protests have also disrupted Jewish events. French authorities have condemned these acts and taken legal action, with President Macron acknowledging a resurgence of antisemitism.

In the past year, Argentina has taken significant steps to address antisemitism. In August 2026, a federal judge was removed from office for antisemitic remarks, marking a historic first. Additionally, in July 2026, President Javier Milei issued a decree allowing the expulsion of foreigners who spread hate against Argentina. While antisemitic incidents persist, with 713 recorded in 2025, the government's proactive measures indicate a commitment to combating such behavior. The Israeli government currently considers Argentina safe for travel, advising standard precautions.

Recent developments in Lebanon have heightened security concerns for Jewish and Israeli travelers. The Israeli government has issued a 'do not travel' warning, categorizing Lebanon as 'very dangerous.' This advisory is based on ongoing hostilities, including Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, which have resulted in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Additionally, the League of Arab States has condemned Israeli actions in the region, further straining diplomatic relations. Given these factors, travelers are strongly advised to avoid visiting Lebanon at this time.

Recent events in the Netherlands have raised concerns about antisemitism affecting Jewish and Israeli travelers. On August 14, 2026, during a farmers' protest in Den Bosch, the Farmers Defence Force distributed Star of David stickers featuring a 'B' for 'boer' (farmer), drawing condemnation from Prime Minister Rob Jetten and Jewish organizations for misusing Holocaust symbols. Deceptive flyers targeting Israelis were also distributed during WorldPride Amsterdam on August 1, 2026, containing personal details of Israeli individuals under the guise of warning about 'war criminals.' Earlier reporting documented antisemitic chants by soccer fans in The Hague and a thwarted plot to bomb a synagogue, underscoring that elevated online antisemitism continues to translate into real-world hostility. The Israeli government's travel advisory for the Netherlands remains 'be cautious when traveling,' and Jewish and Israeli travelers should exercise increased vigilance.

The Israeli government advises travelers to Ireland to exercise increased caution. Recent events include a protest in Dublin on August 15th, organized by pro-Palestinian groups, calling for boycotts of Israeli products and war bonds. Ireland maintains a strong pro-Palestinian stance, reflected in government actions and public sentiment, which can lead to an atmosphere of hostility towards Israelis and, at times, Jews. Travelers should be aware of potential anti-Israel demonstrations and exercise vigilance.

In the past year, Colombia has demonstrated a pro-Israel stance, including recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights and restoring diplomatic relations. No antisemitic incidents or hostility toward Israelis have been reported recently. The Israeli government advises travelers to exercise caution due to general security concerns in Colombia.

Recent reports indicate a rise in antisemitic incidents in Russia, including the arrest of 40 Israeli tourists in April 2026 on suspicion of links to Israel's war against Iran. Additionally, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory for Russia, urging caution due to potential legal issues for dual citizens and the risk of conscription. Given these developments and the Israeli government's travel warning, Jewish and Israeli travelers are advised to exercise heightened caution when considering travel to Russia.

In the past year, Singapore has maintained a stable environment for Jewish and Israeli travelers, with no significant antisemitic incidents reported. The Israeli government has issued a 'safe to travel' status for Singapore, advising travelers to exercise normal precautions. Recent events, such as the banning of two Massive Attack members for displaying a Palestinian flag during a concert, have not led to increased hostility toward Jews or Israelis. Singapore's diplomatic relations with Israel remain positive, and the Jewish community is well-integrated and influential within the country.

Austria has experienced a concerning rise in antisemitic incidents, with 1,532 cases recorded in 2025 — the highest number since monitoring began, averaging over four per day. Israel-related antisemitism was the most common form, accounting for 77.4% of incidents. In May 2026 a physical attack with a hunting knife was reported in Vienna, and in March 2026 a Chabad house in Salzburg was defaced with swastika and Palestinian flag stickers; a recent dispute at the Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial over a 'Free Palestine' shirt required police involvement. The Interior Ministry recorded 1,986 far-right, xenophobic, racist, Islamophobic or antisemitic offenses in 2025, a significant increase over previous years. The Israeli government advises travelers to Austria to exercise increased caution; Jewish and Israeli travelers should remain vigilant and stay informed about local developments.

Recent events in Sweden have raised concerns for Jewish and Israeli travelers. In July 2026, a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Stockholm featured a mock Auschwitz gate with 'Arbeit Macht Frei' replaced by 'Gaza', prompting police reports of incitement against a group. A Jewish doctor reported being dismissed after complaining about a colleague's antisemitic remarks. A 2026 study found that 73% of Swedes view antisemitism as a problem, and a recent political debate featured strong rhetoric against antisemitism, with one party accused of failing to address it within its own ranks. Local leaders are calling for reforms to ensure Jewish safety. The Israeli government advises travelers to exercise caution when visiting Sweden.

In July 2026, Montenegro witnessed two significant antisemitic incidents involving Israeli tourists. In Budva, a group of Israeli tourists was attacked by over ten young men, resulting in one victim suffering a broken jaw and another losing consciousness due to the severity of the beatings. Earlier in July, in Plav, Israeli tourists were verbally harassed by locals, with derogatory remarks accusing them of genocide. These events have raised concerns among the local Jewish community and prompted discussions with government representatives about the rise in antisemitism. Despite these incidents, the Israeli government maintains a 'safe to travel' status for Montenegro, advising travelers to exercise normal precautions.