Israel information centre Cidi received 1,550 reports of anti-Semitic incidents last year, of which 379 were found by researchers to be anti-Semitic, broadcaster NOS reported on Tuesday.

The total is almost 2.5 times the 2022 figure and a “historic high”, the organisation said.

In particular, the agency noted a five-fold rise in the number of incidents at schools in which children were sworn at, threatened, bullied and on occasion physically attacked. The problems happened at schools all over the country, Cidi said.

Cidi defines anti-Semitism as insulting or threatening behaviour towards Jews, not criticism of Israel. The figures do not include online threats.

The number of incidents rose sharply after the October 7 attacks by Hamas, and had been in line with 2022 up to then, Cidi director Naomi Mestrum said. Action is needed now, she told television talk show WNL. “People are uncomfortable and worried because anti-Semitism is out there and becoming increasingly serious.”

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Justice minister Dilan Yesilgöz said in a reaction that youngsters needed to learn more about the Holocaust and World War II both in school and at home. Headteachers and school inspectors should intervene in schools where teachers have problems raising the issue, she said.