Antisemitism

Defining antisemitism is difficult. As Professor Deborah Lipstadt notes, “It is hard, if not impossible, to explain something that is essentially irrational, delusional and absurd.” [1]

Antisemitism, sometimes called Jew-hatred is a form of racism. It has been expressed in different ways with varying levels of intensity for thousands of years. Each time it rises, it might appear to be different, but at the root are age-old tropes, libels, lies and false conspiracy theories. The language and imagery associated with it tend to adapt to reflect the major societal challenges of any given time, yet Jewish people are perpetually blamed for these issues, serving as the eternal “scapegoat”. 

History shows that antisemitism flourishes in times of political or social upheaval, whilst at other times it can sit apparently dormant. In the decades after the Holocaust, Jewish people generally felt a level of unprecedented acceptance, particularly in the West, but antisemitism never fully disappeared. In recent times racism toward Jewish people has arisen with a new visibility in countries all over the world, as democracy faces serious challenges. Even some of the most seemingly liberal and inclusive countries like Australia are now showing significant spikes in both antisemitic attitudes and incidents.

Many people define antisemitism narrowly as direct attempts to harm Jewish people, but this view overlooks how most other forms of racism are recognised: through negative ideas, perceptions, and derogatory language that are inherently discriminatory. Often, negative perceptions and beliefs about Jewish people are held so innately that people don’t even realise they are being racist. The failure to understand antisemitism as a form of racism highlights the double standards applied to Jewish people and their experiences. And this, in itself, is a manifestation of antisemitism.

Here are some common examples of antisemitism:

  • Presenting words and images that lead to misconceptions about Jewish people, or reinforce historic libels, lies and tropes about Jewish people
  • Defining Jews as inherently evil, dangerous, or untrustworthy
  • Linking Jews to some imagined world conspiracy of power and control in any area, including government, business, industry, health, or media, amongst others
  • Conspiracy theories linking Jews to major world events
  • Applying physical stereotypes to Jews, implying all Jews have certain negative physical features, such as a large nose
  • Stating that Jews have inherently negative traits such as stinginess, maliciousness, cunningness and are not trustworthy
  • Denying the Holocaust or revising the facts of the Holocaust
  • Denying the facts of Jewish history or revising proven Jewish history
  • Victim-blaming Jewish people for being discriminated against
  • Choosing not to interact with a person because they are Jewish or associated with businesses relating to Jews
  • Holding all Jewish people responsible for the actions and decisions of governments
  • Believing all Jewish people have the same views, beliefs and values
  • Holding expectations, or having double standards of Jewish people, or those associated with Jewish people, above those of any other group.

A working definition of antisemitism has been developed and adopted by many governments around the world through the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), of which Australia is a member.[2]

Currently, Australia accepts the IHRA definition as legally non-binding but of important influence in decision making. Significant acts against Jewish people come under general anti-discrimination legislation in Australia. An alternative definition to the IHRA definition was proposed in the Jerusalem Declaration in 2020.

Both definitions have been criticised. As is stated in the Jerusalem Declaration “no document on antisemitism can be exhaustive or anticipate all the ways in which antisemitism will manifest in the future”.[3]

[1] Deborah E. Lipstadt, Antisemitism: Here and Now (New York: Schocken, 2019), 7.

[2] ‘Working definition of antisemitism,’ International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, accessed January 18, 2024, https://holocaustremembrance.com/resources/working-definition-antisemitism.

[3] ‘The Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism,’ JDA, accessed January 18, 2024, https://jerusalemdeclaration.org/.