Hananya Naftali
Nov 7, 2026
Understanding Antisemitism
The Short Answer
Antisemitism is often called the oldest hatred. It has changed its form over the centuries, from religious hatred to racial hatred to conspiracy theories and today's demonization of Israel. In every form it blames Jews for the problems of the world. The hatred says nothing about Jews and everything about those who spread it.
A Hatred That Keeps Changing Shape
In medieval Europe, Jews were accused of killing Jesus and of poisoning wells. In the 20th century, the Nazis attacked Jews as a race. Conspiracy theories claimed Jews secretly controlled money and governments.
Antisemitism contradicts itself. Jews have been blamed for both capitalism and communism, for being too clannish and for trying to blend in. That is how a scapegoat works. Read more: Antisemitic Myths Debunked
Antisemitism Today
Today much antisemitism hides behind hatred of Israel. Holding Israel to standards demanded of no other country, or blaming Jews everywhere for Israel's actions, crosses the line into antisemitism.
Key Facts
Antisemitism has existed for more than two thousand years.
In 1965 the Catholic Church rejected the charge that Jews as a people killed Jesus.
Conspiracy theories about Jewish control are lies with deadly history.
Blaming all Jews for Israel's policies is antisemitism.