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.
The letter was organized by two progressive Jewish groups — the Israel lobby J Street and rabbinic group T’ruah.
“Our partnership with AJC will enable us to reach survivors of antisemitic violence from all over the globe," said Robert Williams, CEO of the USC Shoah Foundation.
In a statement on its website, UKLFI said Kneecap’s recent performance at Coachella “whipped up anti-Israel hatred amongst the crowd,” as they led their fans with anti-Israel chants.
Tensions between Israel and France escalate after visas for 27 French MPs are revoked. Jerusalem warns of a diplomatic clash in June.
Canadian Jews are set to head to the ballot box for a federal election on Monday, with concerns about safety and antisemitism at the forefront for many Jewish voters.
Protests against Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir at Chabad HQ in Brooklyn led to clashes, arrests, and accusations of violence.
Planned anti-Israel protests at Columbia and City College of New York were blocked by warnings and police actions. At CCNY, activists were evacuated and pepper-sprayed after clashing with officers.
Anti-Israel activists disrupt London marathon by throwing red powder.
Sayet Erhan Akca, who fled Australia in 2023 after a warrant for his arrest was issued, is wanted as a high-level suspect.
Two university workers filed a lawsuit against over 40 students who allegedly assaulted them and called them "Jew-lovers" during last year's Hamilton Hall occupation.
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