Psyche: When Fear Becomes Illness On October 7, 2023, a series of attacks in Israel sparked widespread outrage and fear across the globe. For many Jewish individuals in Germany, the date marked not just a tragedy, but a turning point in their lives. Nathan Dawidowicz and Shay Dashevsky, both based in Berlin, have since lost numerous friends, not due to personal conflicts or relocation, but because they were ignored. Their experiences reflect a broader pattern among Jewish communities in Germany, where feelings of isolation and psychological distress have become increasingly common. Dawidowicz, who walks through his neighborhood in Neukölln, has encountered verbal abuse on public streets, including being spat upon. Dashevsky, who organizes information stands and dialogues related to the Middle East conflict, has received online threats demanding his dismissal from work. These incidents are not isolated. The Research and Information Center on Antisemitism (Rias) documented 2,197 antisemitic incidents in 2023, well above pre-October 7 levels. While not all cases constitute severe violence, many involve everyday microaggressions, passive neglect, or subtle forms of discrimination that chip away at one’s sense of security. The psychological toll is evident in the accounts of Dawidowicz, who describes feeling profound loneliness and despair after the attack. “At that time, I had the feeling that ultimately only Jews would be there for Jews,” he says. This sentiment echoes among other Jewish individuals in Germany, with studies showing that antisemitism significantly contributes to stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among Jewish students compared to non-Jewish peers. A study conducted by researchers Tal Josef Tamir and Irina Jarvers surveyed 320 students, including 151 Jewish participants, revealing that perceived antisemitism was the strongest factor associated with psychological strain. Dashevsky, who moved from Tel Aviv to Berlin nine years ago, notes that some of his friends have distanced themselves, either celebrating October 7 or downplaying its significance. “Antisemitism is always present, but it remains on the level of acceptance,” he explains. This suggests that even within progressive circles, antisemitism persists unchallenged, often dismissed as a minor issue rather than a serious threat. Germany's Jewish population, which makes up less than 0.2 percent of the total population, has faced a sharp rise in antisemitic crimes. According to the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), there were 6,548 antisemitic offenses recorded in 2025, a record high and a 27 percent increase from 2023. Nearly half of these offenses were linked to the Middle East conflict. Experts and law enforcement agencies estimate that the actual number is likely much higher, as many incidents go unreported due to fears of retaliation, shame, or distrust in the justice system. Some Jewish individuals feel protected by their skin color, yet this does not shield them from prejudice. For others, the constant awareness of being targeted creates a pervasive sense of vulnerability. As Tamir points out, wearing visible symbols of Judaism, such as a kippa, can make one more vulnerable to hostility. His research underscores that antisemitism is not merely a social or political issue, it is a public health concern. Universities and society must address this growing crisis. Tamir emphasizes the need for mental health support and safe spaces for Jewish students. “It’s not enough to talk about antisemitism as a political problem,” he says. “We must recognize its impact on individual well-being.” The challenge lies in creating environments where Jewish individuals can live without fear, where their identities are respected, and where psychological harm is acknowledged and addressed.
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