Antisemitism

According to the definition of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.

The rejection of Jewish people or hatred of Judaism is manifested in words and actions. This includes physical violence against Jewish people, but also the desecration of Jewish cemeteries, attacks on Jewish institutions or synagogues, and antisemitic graffiti. One common expression of antisemitism is the accusation that Jewish people are conspiring to harm humanity. Crises, conflicts or misunderstood phenomena are assigned to a construed Jewish collective.  These claims are not based on any factual evidence whatsoever, but their simplicity and their clearcut attribution of blame make them attractive, as no matter what happens, “the Jews are to blame”. Antisemitism may also be expressed against the state of Israel, if this is understood as the Jewish collective. Another common form of antisemitism is using the word ‘Jew’ as an insult or denying or downplaying the Holocaust. For further examples of antisemitism please refer to IHRA or the  Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism (2021).

The general public tends to associate antisemitism with right-wing extremism or Muslim communities, but it can be found throughout all classes of society, educational backgrounds and political leanings. It is a phenomenon that affects the whole of society. Equating Islam or Muslim people with antisemitism is another form of discrimination (see anti-Muslim racism).

Sources: IDA-NRW; Amadeu Antonio Foundation