antisemitic

Antisemitism is prejudice, hostility, or discrimination against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or cultural group. The term, popularized in the late 19th century by German journalist Wilhelm Marr, describes a set of beliefs and actions that portray Jews as a threat or inferior. The word uses "Semite," historically a linguistic term for a group of Afro-Eurasian languages, but in modern usage refers to Jews regardless of actual language.

Historically, negative attitudes toward Jews date to antiquity and intensified in medieval Europe through religious accusations, expulsions, and persecution. In the modern era, antisemitism expanded to racial theories that depicted Jews as biologically distinct or dangerous; such views underpinned state-sponsored persecution, culminating in the Holocaust, in which six million Jews were murdered by the Nazis and collaborators.

Antisemitism can manifest as conspiracy theories, dehumanization, or stereotypes (e.g., about money, influence, or loyalty). It appears in discrimination, social exclusion, violence, vandalism, and political rhetoric. It also intersects with other forms of bigotry and can be directed at Jewish individuals as well as communities.

In the contemporary world, antisemitism persists in various forms, including hate speech, harassment, and extremist violence. Efforts to address it include education, remembrance, monitoring organizations, and legal protections against hate crimes. Debates on antisemitism often arise in discussions about anti-Zionism and criticism of Israel, with debates over where legitimate political critique ends and hate against Jews begins.

See also: antisemitism in history, Holocaust, anti-Judaism, Zionism, conspiracy theory.