The Psychology of Antisemitism

Understanding the world's oldest hate.

Reviewed by Margaret Foley

Key points

• Antisemitism is rising at an alarming rate, both in the U.S. and globally.
• Only 2.4 percent of the U.S. population, Jews account for about 60 percent of all religious-based hate crimes.
• Antisemitism has endured for centuries, taking on new forms each generation.

“Someone who hates one group will end up hating everyone—and, ultimately, hating himself or herself.” —Elie Wiesel

You could say our society is less prejudiced than ever—less racist, transphobic, and sexist, with less mental health stigma. We’ve added protections for people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities and empowered historically marginalized voices. Sadly, one prejudice has stubbornly remained—that against Jewish people.

And yet even some of the most liberal and progressive voices of today not only refuse to denounce it but, in a twist of irony and hypocrisy, are now fueling the very hatred and discrimination that they purport to stand against.

To understand why this type of hate is on the rise when virtually every other form of hate has declined, we need to dig into the psychology behind it.

Ancient Roots of Antisemitism

Antisemitism refers to prejudice or hostility directed at Jews. Helen Fein, founder of the Institute for the Study of Genocide, defines it as "a persisting latent structure of hostile beliefs toward Jews as a collective, manifested...as social or legal discrimination, political mobilization against Jews, or collective or state violence."

Often described as "the oldest hatred," antisemitism predates any Israel/Palestine conflict. It predates our modern society by thousands of years, continually adapting to fit shifting cultural and political landscapes. Jews have historically been blamed for many of the world's worst tragedies, beginning with the false accusation that Jews killed Jesus and the blood libel myth, to Medieval plagues, the Spanish Inquisition, the French Revolution, and World War I, all the way to the atrocities of Nazism in World War II and modern-day forms.

While antisemitism has worn many faces throughout history, its underlying characteristics of scapegoating, conspiracy, and dehumanization remain. Each era may bring new rhetoric and justifications, but the core narrative remains unchanged.

Understanding Hate

At its core, hate is an intense emotional response often rooted in ignorance and fear. From an evolutionary perspective, it was likely developed as an adaptive response to threats. While this might have protected our cave-dwelling ancestors, in today’s interconnected world, it frequently has destructive consequences. Let’s explore the psychological dynamics underlying that hate and bigotry, and how it can become so virulent against a single group.

In-Group/Out-Group Phenomenon and Fear of the Other

Prejudice often stems from stereotypes that reduce individuals to symbols of a threatening out-group. This fear—sometimes mirroring our own insecurities—perpetuates a cycle of hatred. When an out-group is seen as a threat, people feel personally endangered, as they equate it with a threat to their own group. The stereotype that Jews control wealth and power fits perfectly into this narrative. Such simplistic thinking frequently leads to the generalization of negative traits. Qualities attributed to one individual—or, in today's world, to a government—are unjustly extended to the entire group. Viewing Jews as a homogeneous entity dehumanizes individuals within that group. It’s much easier to hate a group, a category, or a nation than a human being.

The Role of Conspiracy Theories

Antisemitism thrives on conspiracy theories, in part because they offer simple explanations for chaotic and troubling global phenomena like financial crises, political instability, and more recent events such as 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic. They give believers a false sense of control and certainty. These myths are especially dangerous because they reinforce preexisting biases.

One recurring accusation is that Jews secretly control global financial systems and world events. A notorious example is the fabricated text The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, published in 19th-century Russia, that falsely claimed to outline Jewish plans for world domination, painting Jews as an unfairly advantaged group with more influence or resources than others.

This tiresome trope has fueled numerous conspiracy theories, including the "Great Replacement Theory," on full display during the 2017 Charlottesville riots, where neo-Nazis chanted, "Jews will not replace us."

Modern Manifestations of Antisemitism

A common form of contemporary antisemitism involves the targeting of Israel, often viewed as representative of the global Jewish community. While criticism of the Israeli government is not inherently antisemitic, it crosses the line when it escalates into the harassment and discrimination of individuals or entire communities based on their ethnic or religious identity.

And this is how those on the far left manifest their antisemitism, according to U.S. Ambassador and Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt. She explains how far-right extremists such as neo-Nazi groups express their hatred of Jews openly and aggressively, while those on the far left "cloak their antisemitism in political arguments."

How do we explain the more covert and insidious forms of antisemitism, particularly the type that goes unnoticed by the perpetrator? How do otherwise reasonable, intelligent individuals fall prey to prejudice and hatred, often without even recognizing their own biases? How do good people get caught up in hateful rhetoric and the alienation of entire groups of individuals?

Implicit Bias

Psychologist Joel Weinberger highlights the concept of implicit bias—prejudices that operate below the level of conscious awareness. He explains that people can engage in discriminatory behavior without realizing it, as these attitudes are often deeply ingrained in cultural norms and stereotypes. This bias may manifest in everyday interactions as subtle exclusion, stereotyping, or unequal treatment. These prejudices are often reinforced by seemingly benign media portrayals or societal myths. Implicit bias helps us understand why some individuals engage in discriminatory actions or speech while simultaneously denying that they are prejudiced.

Cognitive Dissonance

Cognitive dissonance, or the uneasiness that arises when holding contradictory thoughts or feelings, can prevent people from acknowledging their bigotry. If people believe they are "good" or "moral," admitting to holding racist or antisemitic views would create discomfort, leading them to rationalize or dismiss their behavior. Those who engage in anti-Israel and anti-Jewish rhetoric may claim that they are merely expressing valid concerns or opinions. They rationalize using the term "Zionist" as a proxy for Jews without any awareness of the false differentiation.

What We Can Do

By broadening our understanding of the troubling histories of all groups and recognizing the devastating consequences that arise when hatred and discrimination are left unchecked, we can take steps toward fostering a more compassionate world.

To begin, we must avoid generalizing individuals or groups based on the actions of a few or the policies of a government. Such reasoning can never justify the harassment, violence, or persecution of individuals or entire communities. When activism devolves into collective blame or scapegoating, it undermines the very principles of justice and equality it seeks to uphold.