Israel raises travel threat level for dozens of countries due to rising global antisemitism amid Hamas war

The Israeli National Security Council raised a travel threat warning on Monday for some 80 countries around the world due to growing antisemitism amid the ongoing war in Gaza against the terror organization Hamas.

Most Western European countries, including France, Germany and Great Britain were raised to the Level 2 threat, urging Israeli travelers to be cautious while visiting these countries. Other countries that were upgraded to the second threat level include Russia, Australia, Brazil and Argentina.

By contrast, the United States and Canada currently remain on at the lesser Level 1, alongside most Eastern European states, Denmark, Switzerland, Norway and Finland.

“Since the beginning of the war there have been increased efforts identified from Iran and its affiliates, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, to target Israelis and Jews around the world,” the Israeli National Security Council (NSC) stated.

Anti-Israel and anti-Jewish rallies have been held worldwide in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin and Sydney.

The Israeli security body also raised several countries to the higher Level 3 travel threat, including South Africa, Uzbekistan, Eritrea and Kazakhstan, urging Israelis to avoid non-essential trips to these countries.

“On this basis, along with the rising levels of incitement, attempted attacks and antisemitism around the world, the National Security Council has reiterated its recommendation for Israelis to reconsider any nonessential travel at this time,” the NSC assessed.

However, a national security official stressed that the council is merely issuing recommendations and that every Israeli citizen should to make his or her own decision concerning travel abroad.

“We can’t say don’t go, what we can say is that Israelis should weigh where they go.”

In early November, the NSC issued its first warning amid the war against Hamas, urging Israeli citizens to reconsider international travel due to the rise in antisemitism and security threats.

“In recent weeks, against the backdrop of the Swords of Iron conflict, the National Security Council and the Foreign Ministry have witnessed a significant rise in incidents of antisemitism and incitement, alongside life-threatening attacks against Israelis and Jews around the world,” the NSC stated.

At the time, Israeli Government Spokesman Eylon Levy urged Israelis to rethink non-essential travel outside of the Jewish state.

“I can’t believe I had to announce this: Israel is issuing an urgent global travel warning for All citizens traveling ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. Rethink if foreign travel is really necessary,” Levy wrote on X, former Twitter.

The Israeli government official also urged Israelis to avoid displaying signs of Israeli and Jewish identity.

“If you have to go, avoid displaying outward signs of your Israeli or Jewish identity,” Levy warned.

Antisemitic incidents have reportedly increased by 500% globally compared to 2022, according to a November survey conducted by the World Zionist Organization, the Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism and the Jewish Agency.

Avi Cohen-Scali, CEO of the Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism ministry, stressed the severity of the current levels of antisemitism worldwide.

“We're witnessing alarming waves of antisemitism in numerous countries. Addressing this necessitates a unified approach, bringing together government efforts and Jewish communities," Cohen-Scali said.