The New Face of Antisemitism

 The New Face of Antisemitism

Antisemitism has never been static. Hostility toward historical Jews has been a defining characteristic throughout history. However, it takes less overt forms than traditional hate speech. It often manifests itself in political discourse, selective anger, or the application of unacceptable double standards regardless of context.

As a Jewish writer, I have observed that many debates about Israel go beyond legitimate political criticism and question the legitimacy of Jewish identity, Jewish autonomy, or even the existence of the world's only Jewish state. This development warrants special attention because criticism of government policies and prejudice against an entire people are fundamentally different.

Like any democratic state, the Israeli government can and should be subject to criticism. Political decisions, military strategies, and diplomatic actions are legitimate subjects for public debate. Democratic societies are strengthened by open debate. Jewish communities worldwide are attacked because of events in the Middle East, or Israel is judged according to standards to which no other country is subject, even though they are collectively responsible for the actions of their governments.

Following the October 7 attacks, antisemitism increased in many countries. Jewish schools, synagogues, businesses, and individuals were forced to strengthen security measures. Heated debates erupted on some university campuses, creating fear among Jewish students. These events demonstrated that conflicts in the Middle East can have direct consequences for Jewish communities far beyond the region.

Today, antisemitism is not always openly expressed. It can manifest itself through conspiracy theories, the spread of disinformation on social media, or the normalization of discourse that blames Jews for world events. It is often expressed indirectly, making it difficult to detect, but its effects are no less devastating.

This is a fact. Human suffering deserves equal recognition regardless of nationality, religion, or ethnicity. Condemning violence against one group of civilians while ignoring or downplaying violence against another undermines the universal values ​​that human rights organizations and democratic societies seek to protect. Consistency is essential to the credibility of human rights principles.

This principle also applies to international institutions. Organizations working to defend human rights and international law must ensure that every victim is treated with respect and fairly. Public trust rests not only on good faith, but also on a sense of justice and impartiality.

That is true. That is true. But democratic debate cannot be separated from the freedom to criticize governments, including the Israeli government. That is self-evident.

History has repeatedly shown that antisemitism has not disappeared, but has evolved. Therefore, understanding its past and present forms is crucial. That is self-evident.

Only by making this distinction can democratic societies protect the freedom of expression, dignity, and security of Jewish communities worldwide.