antisemitische

Antisemitische is the German adjective used to describe attitudes, statements, or actions that express hostility toward Jewish people. The corresponding noun is Antisemitismus, or antisemitism, a form of prejudice that has appeared in religious, racial, political, and social contexts throughout history. The term antisemitism emerged in the 19th century and is often associated with the attempt to present hostility to Jews as a political or scientific belief rather than a prejudice.

Common manifestations include stereotypes portraying Jews as dangerous or manipulative, conspiracy theories about Jewish control, dehumanizing language, and calls for exclusion or violence. Antisemitische attitudes can appear in everyday discourse, in propaganda, and in institutional practices that marginalize Jews or limit their civil rights. Acts range from hate speech and harassment to vandalism, discrimination in housing or employment, and violent crimes.

Historical context and responses: antisemitism has deep roots in medieval religious prejudice and evolved into racial and political forms, culminating in the Holocaust. In contemporary societies, antisemitism is widely condemned, and many jurisdictions prohibit related hate speech and violence. Germany, for example, enforces laws against incitement and “Volksverhetzung” (stirring up hatred), while EU and international human rights frameworks promote anti-discrimination and protections for Jewish communities.

Distinctions and discourse: there is ongoing debate about distinguishing legitimate criticism of policy from antisemitism. Scholars emphasize precise definitions to avoid conflating disagreement with prejudice, while maintaining clear condemnation of antisemitic beliefs and actions.