Antisemitism in Politics: A Multifaceted Phenomenon

Antisemitism is not just an individual attitude; it also shapes political ideologies and decisions. It is not confined to a single political orientation but appears across many movements in different forms. Antisemitism is used as a tool to justify discrimination in various contexts, and recognizing it is the first step toward combating it.

Antisemitism is not limited to one political direction; it is widespread across different ideologies. Throughout history, antisemitism has been used to direct societal discontent and suspicion toward Jews, often aiming to fragment society or to strengthen one’s political position. Accepting antisemitism erodes democracy by justifying discrimination and violating the principle of equality.

Antisemitism as a Tool of Ideologies

In some communist states, especially the Soviet Union, antisemitism appeared in the form of labeling Jews as representatives of capitalism and as spreaders of Western influence. Paradoxically, in Western capitalist societies, Jews have at times been accused of promoting communism. This demonstrates how antisemitism transcends ideological boundaries; Jews are portrayed as an “internal enemy,” whether as advocates of capitalism or communism, depending on what fits the prevailing political narrative.

Antisemitism on the Far Right

Far-right movements have long propagated antisemitic conspiracy theories, such as myths of Jewish global control and financial dominance. These narratives aim to incite fear and suspicion, helping far-right actors gain support from those looking for someone to blame for societal problems. Far-right propaganda typically depicts Jews as an “internal enemy” or a threat to national security and unity. According to this narrative, actions taken “to protect the nation” are justified, often leading to hostility and discrimination against Jews.

Antisemitism on the Far Left

On the far left, antisemitism can hide behind seemingly legitimate demands, such as criticism of Israeli policies. In these cases, Jews and Israelis are collectively blamed for Israel’s actions, or the criticism relies on antisemitic stereotypes. Israel’s actions may be presented as symbols of imperialism and colonialism, with antisemitism disguised as a pursuit of equality and justice. This approach obscures the true nature of anti-Jewish hostility, making it appear more socially acceptable as a means of achieving political goals.

Antisemitism in Religious Extremist Movements

In various religious extremist movements, antisemitism often manifests as ideological hostility toward Jews. For example, in some extremist Christian and Islamist groups, antisemitism can appear in discriminatory attitudes rooted in religious interpretations that create conflict. This antisemitism emerges in anti-Jewish narratives that justify violence and discrimination against Jews.

Internalized Antisemitism

Internalized antisemitism refers to situations in which Jews themselves adopt antisemitic attitudes or stereotypes. This may appear as downplaying the effects of antisemitism or accepting negative stereotypes. Internalized antisemitism can lead to denial of one’s identity or cause tensions within the community. For this reason, recognizing and combating antisemitism is also important within the community itself.

How to recognize and confront antisemitism in politics

Antisemitism is a complex phenomenon that affects many parts of society. It often appears as subtle attitudes and ideologies, making its recognition essential for understanding the political environment. Combating antisemitism in politics requires awareness and a critical mindset. AVEK seeks to increase understanding of these hidden mechanisms and encourages everyone to critically examine their societal and political environment. AVEK ry actively works to prevent all forms of antisemitism in the political sphere, now and in the future.