What Is Antisemitism?

Understanding the World's Oldest Hatred and Why Christians Should Care

2026 Elizabeth Shulam

Antisemitism is one of the oldest and most persistent forms of hatred in human history.

It has appeared in ancient empires, medieval kingdoms, modern nations, political movements, universities, social media platforms, and even religious communities. It has survived changes in language, culture, geography, and ideology. Throughout history, Jewish people have been accused of being too different, too influential, too religious, not religious enough, too wealthy, too poor, too nationalistic, too foreign, or too integrated.

The accusations change.

The hostility remains.

Before discussing its history and modern expressions, it is important to understand what antisemitism actually is.

What Is Antisemitism?

Antisemitism is hostility, prejudice, discrimination, or hatred directed toward Jewish people because they are Jewish.

The term was popularized in nineteenth-century Europe, but the phenomenon itself is much older.

Antisemitism can take many forms:

• Negative stereotypes about Jewish people

• Social exclusion

• Religious discrimination

• Political scapegoating

• Conspiracy theories

• Harassment and intimidation

• Vandalism and hate crimes

• Violence and terrorism

  
  

Sometimes antisemitism appears openly.

Sometimes it appears in more subtle ways through assumptions, caricatures, or misinformation.

At its core, antisemitism treats Jewish people as a problem to be feared, blamed, marginalized, or opposed.

Ancient Forms of Antisemitism

Hostility toward Jewish communities existed long before the modern era.

The Bible itself records periods when Israel faced persecution and oppression.

The Israelites experienced slavery in Egypt.

The book of Esther records Haman's attempt to destroy the Jewish people in the Persian Empire.

Later, under Greek rule, Jewish communities experienced efforts to suppress Jewish religious practice and identity.

The events commemorated during Hanukkah emerged from this period of persecution.

Throughout the ancient world, Jewish communities often faced suspicion because they maintained distinct religious beliefs and practices.

Their commitment to one God, refusal to worship pagan deities, and preservation of their unique identity sometimes made them targets of hostility.

Antisemitism in the Medieval World

During the medieval period, antisemitism took on new forms.

Jewish communities across Europe were frequently subjected to legal restrictions, segregation, expulsions, and violence.

False accusations became common.

Jewish people were wrongly blamed for disease outbreaks, economic problems, and social unrest.

During the Black Death, for example, many Jewish communities were falsely accused of poisoning wells and causing the plague.

These accusations led to horrific violence.

Religious misunderstandings also contributed to hostility.

Certain biblical passages were misinterpreted in ways that portrayed Jewish people as collectively responsible for the death of Jesus. These interpretations ignored both the historical context of the New Testament and the reality that Jesus, His disciples, and the earliest believers were themselves Jewish.

Over time, these misunderstandings contributed to centuries of prejudice and exclusion.

Modern Anti-semitism

Modern antisemitism did not disappear as societies became more secular.

Instead, it adapted.

In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, racial theories emerged that portrayed Jewish people as biologically inferior or dangerous. Unlike earlier forms of antisemitism, which often focused on religion, racial antisemitism claimed that Jewish identity itself was the problem regardless of personal beliefs or practices.

This ideology reached its most horrific expression during the Holocaust.

Between 1933 and 1945, Nazi Germany systematically persecuted and murdered approximately six million Jewish men, women, and children.

The Holocaust remains one of the darkest chapters in human history and a devastating reminder of where unchecked hatred can lead.

Political and Ideological Anti-semitism

Today, antisemitism appears across the political spectrum.

It can emerge from extremist movements on the far right.

It can emerge from extremist movements on the far left.

It can appear within nationalist ideologies, revolutionary ideologies, religious extremism, or conspiracy movements.

Modern antisemitism often recycles old stereotypes in new forms.

Jewish people may be accused of secretly controlling governments, financial systems, media organizations, or world events.

These claims are not supported by evidence, yet they continue to circulate widely.

Conspiracy theories thrive because they offer simple explanations for complex problems.

History repeatedly demonstrates the danger of such thinking.

Anti-semitism Today

Antisemitism remains a global problem.

Jewish schools, synagogues, community centers, and cultural institutions often require security measures because of ongoing threats.

Around the world, Jewish communities continue to experience harassment, vandalism, threats, and violence.

In recent years, many countries have reported significant increases in anti-semitic incidents.

The forms vary, but the underlying hostility remains recognizable.

For this reason, antisemitism should never be viewed as merely a historical issue.

It remains a contemporary challenge requiring vigilance and moral courage.

What Does the Bible Say?

The Bible does not use the modern term antisemitism.

However, Scripture repeatedly affirms God's covenant relationship with Israel and His concern for justice.

Paul asks a direct question in Romans 11:

"Has God rejected his people?" (Romans 11:1, NRSVUE)

His answer is equally direct:

"By no means!" (Romans 11:1, NRSVUE)

Later, Paul reminds Gentile believers:

"Remember that it is not you that support the root, but the root that supports you." (Romans 11:18, NRSVUE)

These passages encourage humility and gratitude rather than arrogance.

The New Testament does not present Jewish people as enemies of God.

Rather, it presents a God who remains faithful to His covenant promises.

Why Should Christians Care?

Christians should care about antisemitism for several reasons.

The Messiah Is Jewish

Jesus was Jewish.

His family was Jewish.

His disciples were Jewish.

The earliest Church was Jewish.

Christian faith cannot be separated from its Jewish foundations.

Scripture Calls for Justice

Both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament repeatedly call God's people to oppose injustice and defend those who are vulnerable.

Hatred and discrimination stand in direct opposition to these principles.

Antisemitism Distorts Biblical Teaching

Many forms of Christian antisemitism developed through misunderstandings of Scripture.

Learning the historical and biblical context of difficult passages helps prevent their misuse.

God's Covenant Faithfulness

Romans 11 reminds believers that God's gifts and calling are irrevocable.

How Christians view Jewish people often reflects how they understand God's covenant faithfulness.

Recognizing Anti-semitic Tropes

Many people recognize obvious expressions of hatred but fail to notice subtler forms.

Warning signs include:

• Conspiracy theories involving Jewish control

• Collective blame directed toward all Jews

• Dehumanizing language

• Holocaust denial or minimization

• Stereotypes about money or power

• Holding all Jewish people responsible for actions taken by individuals

Recognizing these patterns helps prevent their spread.

The Blue Heart Movement

Netivyah International's Blue Heart Movement exists to encourage Christians and people of goodwill to stand visibly against antisemitism.

The blue heart symbolizes solidarity with Jewish communities and opposition to hatred in all its forms.

The movement encourages education, prayer, moral clarity, and practical support.

Standing against antisemitism does not require agreement on every political issue.

It requires recognizing that Jewish people deserve the same dignity, safety, and respect afforded to every human being.

Our Recognition of Antisemitism in the 21st Century

Antisemitism survives because each generation convinces itself that old prejudices are somehow new.

History demonstrates otherwise.

The language changes.

The targets remain the same.

Christians have an opportunity to respond differently.

By understanding Scripture in its proper context, recognizing God's faithfulness, and opposing hatred wherever it appears, believers can contribute to a culture of truth and dignity.

Antisemitism is not merely a Jewish problem

It is a human problem.

And it is one that people of faith should confront with wisdom, courage, and compassion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is antisemitism?

Antisemitism is hostility, prejudice, discrimination, or hatred directed toward Jewish people because they are Jewish.

Is anti-semitism only a historical issue?

No. Antisemitism continues to exist around the world today in both overt and subtle forms.

Why should Christians care about anti-semitism?

Christians worship a Jewish Messiah, inherit a faith rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures, and are called to oppose injustice and hatred.

Does the Bible teach anti-semitism?

No. Misinterpretations of certain passages have sometimes been used to justify anti-semitism, but Scripture itself does not teach hatred toward Jewish people.

Related Resources

• What Does Romans 11 Teach About Israel?

• How Has Scripture Been Misused to Promote Anti-semitism?

• What Is Replacement Theology?

• What Is the Relationship Between Israel and the Church?

• Why Should Christians Study the Bible in Its Jewish Context?

• Blue Heart Movement