Antisemitism is hostility, prejudice, or discrimination directed against Jews as individuals, as a group, or toward Jewish institutions and symbols. It manifests in attitudes, acts, and systemic conditions aimed at harming Jews specifically because of their identity.

Definitions and Origins

• The most widely used definition, adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), states that "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 term antisemitism was coined in the late 19th century to describe organized anti-Jewish campaigns in Europe but the prejudice itself is much older, originating as "anti-Judaism" and evolving over the centuries to include racial, religious, and political ideologies.

Typical Expressions and Examples

• Antisemitism can include making stereotypical or dehumanizing claims about Jews, blaming Jews for societal problems, denying or distorting the Holocaust, or holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.

• It also takes the form of discrimination (denial of opportunities or services), vandalism, conspiracy theories (such as myths of Jewish power) and, in its most extreme forms, violence.

Social Impact

• Antisemitism is illegal in many countries when expressed as discrimination, incitement of violence, or hate crimes.

• Beyond overt acts, it can also operate in subtle ways—such as social exclusion and coded tropes that reinforce negative perceptions about Jews throughout society.

Antisemitism remains a serious and persistent problem, shaping many aspects of history and modern societal relationships.