Antisemitism

Antisemitism is defined as hostility and prejudice toward Jews as well as taking discriminatory action towards Jewish people. Some consider antisemitism to be a form of racism.

The word antisemitism finds its roots in the German word antisemitisch, first used in 1860 by Austrian Jewish scholar  Moritz Steinschneider, in his work regarding false ideas of "Semitic races" in comparison to "Aryan races." However, the discriminatory ideas and actions towards Jews have existed since long before the term was coined.

Early incidents of antisemitism and anti-Jewish persecution include the Edict of Expulsion from England in 1290, the persecution of Jews across Europe during the Black Death from 2348 - 1351, and the Spanish Inquisition and expulsion from Spain in 1492.

The 20th century saw both the Holocaust, the genocide of European Jews, and the expulsion of Jews from countries across the Middle East, leading to the displacement of approximately 850,000 Mizrahi Jews.

In recent years both Europe and the US have seen a steady increase in antisemitic incidents, and 90% of Jews in the European Union have said that they feel this is a serious problem.

Alleged Iranian national suspected in Melbourne synagogue firebombing

The biography of Angelo Loras' X/Twitter account says he is "Single, Iranian, forklift driver, music lover, only one type."

 Firefighters work at the scene of a fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, Australia, December 6, 2024.
 Miznon restaurant in Australian after pro-Palestinian protesters hurled chairs and chanted "Death to the IDF"

'Antisemitism getting worse': Australians reluctant to accept anti-Israel violence - interview

  Members of the Synagogue recover items from the Adass Israel Synagogue on December 06, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia.

Authorities arrest man for setting fire to Melbourne synagogue, are 'unsure' if linked to terrorism

 Children take part in a demonstration in support of the Palestinian people at the Palestinian Embassy in Brasilia in June 2025.

Fueling antisemitism, normalizing hate: The dangers of anti-Israel textbooks in education - opinion


From Tehran to Moscow: How antisemitic regimes weaponize anti-Zionist Jews - opinion

Their goal is to sever identity from peoplehood and peoplehood from sovereignty. Iranian Jews today are walking a tightrope similar to the one Soviet refuseniks walked decades ago.

 IRANIAN JEWS prepare for prayer at the Abrishami Synagogue in Tehran, 2015.

Zionism predates antisemitism, it’s rooted in Jewish history and identity - opinion

Zionism is misunderstood and the Zionist movement is delegitimized when its advocates confuse the need for a Jewish state with the Jewish right to a state.

 DAVID BEN-GURION said: ‘Zionism is the Jewish people’s answer to the antisemitism that has haunted us for centuries, offering a homeland where we can live in dignity.’

Openly antisemitic law student with prize-winning white nationalist essay has Jewish ancestry

Preston Damsky made headlines for writing an essay arguing for the revokation of voting writes for non-white people.

 Gainesville, Florida

The cause of hatred: Backlash against Israel's survival against Iran - opinion

What are the messages that we Jews and Israel are receiving from the free world when subjected to hate rallies being staged in New York, London, or any other democracy?

 Demonstrators protest against the United States joining with Israel in attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities, as Marines stand guard at a federal building in Los Angeles, California, US, June 22, 2025.

Palestine Action demonstrators defy UK proscription, protesting outside parliament hours after vote

The UK's Metropolitan Police stated later on Saturday that expressing support for the group is now a criminal offense.

 Supporters of the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action scuffle with police officers outside the High Court in London, Britain, July 4, 2025.

The lie behind the chant: What ‘Free Palestine’ really means - opinion

If one truly cares about the Palestinian people – even if that’s all one cares about – a few questions must be asked: Free from what?

 People hold flags and a banner that reads ‘Stop the genocide in Palestine’ and ‘All hail the struggle of the Palestinian people’ during a demonstration in solidarity with Palestinians, calling for a halt in arms trade and relations with Israel, in Madrid, in May 2025.

'Death to the IDF' chant at Glastonbury proves the death of British moral clarity – opinion

Chanting “Death to the IDF” is not edgy or brave. It’s despicable. If Britain cannot say that clearly and without a proviso, then it has lost its moral compass.

 Revellers with Palestinian and other flags gather as Kneecap performs at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025.

Senior BBC staff told to 'step back' after broadcast of Bob Vylan's ‘Death to the IDF’ chant

Bob Vylan's act was one of seven rated “high risk” by the BBC in advance of the show.

 Guitarist and singer Bobby Vylan of the punk-rap duo Bob Vylan delivers a message in support of Palestinians during his performance at the Glastonbury music festival, in Pilton, Britain, June 28, 2025, in this still image from video obtained from social media

Violence in Melbourne: Attempted synagogue arson, Israeli-owned restaurant attacked

At the time of the attempted arson attack, 20 people were inside the synagogue. Protesters then went to Israeli chef Eyal Shani's restaurant and threw chairs and glassware at patrons.

  Members of the Synagogue recover items from the Adass Israel Synagogue on December 06, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia.

Trump criticized for using antisemitic 'Shylock' to describe bankers

"Think of that: No death tax. No estate tax. No going to the banks and borrowing from, in some cases, a fine banker - and in some cases, Shylocks and bad people,” Trump said.

US President Donald Trump sits inside the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington, US, May 9, 2025.

'Jews buying Cyprus’: Left-wing leader’s remark sparks diplomatic storm

Government data cited by the newspaper show Israeli nationals are now the fourth-largest group of foreign real-estate buyers.

 Kalopanayiotis, Cyprus