Antisemitism
Antisemitism is anti-Jewish prejudice, discrimination, hatred, hostility, violence, or oppression.
Source: Facing History and Ourselves
Learn more about the IHRA working definition of antisemitism →
Antisemitism and Its Impacts
Featuring excerpts from the Facing History and Ourselves explainer.
“Antisemitism is not about disliking a Jew or group of Jews for something that they did. Antisemitism is about disliking a Jew simply because he or she is a Jew. ”
Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism
Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt is a historian nominated by President Biden to head up the State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism. She is the author of many books, including Antisemitism: Here and Now. Her research work focuses on the history of the Holocaust, history of antisemitism, development of holocaust denial and antisemitic hate speech.
She was asked to provide expert testimony in the case brought against the white supremacist groups who organized the Unite the Right rally that occurred in Charlottesville, VA in August 2017. In her statement, she outlines the history, ideology, symbolism, and rhetoric of antisemitism and explains how those features were on display that day. Read her testimony (PDF)
Understanding the Connections Between Antisemitism and Racism
“Antisemitism is the paper upon which racial nationalism is written; it is also the template for poisoning populist movements. Antisemitism is not just a form of religious bigotry; it is a racialized form of bigotry that imagines a supernatural race, a threatening ‘other.’”
-Eric Ward
Eric K. Ward is a senior fellow with the Southern Poverty Law Center and executive director of Western States Center.
Antisemitic Attacks on the Rise
Antisemitic incidents surged to historic levels in 2022, with a total of 3,697 incidents reported across the United States, an increase of 36 percent compared to 2021 – also a record-setting year – according to new data released today by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
“The U.S. and the Holocaust
A tragedy for the world - a reckoning for our nation. The U.S. and the Holocaust examines the rise of Hitler and Nazism in Germany in the context of global antisemitism and racism, immigration and eugenics in the United States, and race laws in the American South.
A Guide to Old Myths in a New Era
This section on the Anti-Defamation League’s website provides information on myths, propaganda and disinformation about Judaism that have fueled current and historic antisemitism around the world.
TAKE ACTION
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NIOT: Stand Up to Hate and Bigotry
As hate group activities and hate and bias incidents rise, actions by concerned community, campus, school, civic, faith and law enforcement leaders and activists, are needed more than ever. These guides provide effective steps that can help communities face hate and bigotry, and work toward a more inclusive future.
We can STOP HATE, TOGETHER. -
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ADL: Resources for Responding to Hate in the Community
The Anti-Defamation League provides many resources on how to combat antisemitism and other forms of extremism and hate. They also have specific resources for families and educators.
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![During World War II, Anne O’Hare McCormick wrote an editorial in the New York Times that urged people to pay attention to Hungary's Jews. Wikimedia Commons]()
Facing History and Ourselves: Holocaust and Human Behavior
Holocaust and Human Behavior is a program for middle and high school that engages students and teachers in a study of the Holocaust through the lens of human behavior. Students make the essential connection between history and themselves.
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Department of Justice: Preventing Hate Crimes in Your Community
Experts estimate an average of 250,000 hate crimes were committed each year between 2004 and 2015 in the United States. The majority of these were not reported to law enforcement. Everyone has a role in stopping hate and creating safe, inclusive communities. How can you take action against hate?
