Antisemitism

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.

Most antisemitic incidents in NYC schools involve direct harassment, vandalism, and threats - study

The research, conducted by the United Jewish Teachers, tracked hundreds of hostile incidents occurring across the school system from October 2023 through July 2026.

AUGUST 18, 2026|ByALEX CARSON

Students wait a line to enter the school on the first day of classes at New York City public schools in Manhattan, US, September 4, 2025.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Florida) with voters on July 4, 2026 in Sunrise, Fla.

Republican redistricting tests the strength of Florida’s pro-Israel Democrats

Among these solidly blue districts are those where veteran Democrats, Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Lois Frankel, are competing on Tuesday.

AUGUST 18, 2026|BySHARON UDASIN

NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani against backdrop of pro-Palestinian protest in New York. (illustration)

The intifada is now globalized - opinion

This “anti-Zionism” is actually pure and plain antisemitism, not a political protest or a criticism of Israel’s policies or Israel’s government. None of those attacked are asked about their politics.

AUGUST 18, 2026|BySEBASTIEN LEVI

Florida Democratic congressional candidate Oliver Larkin speaks with supporters on August 15, 2026 in North Miami Beach, Florida.

Florida congressional race set between anti-Zionist democratic socialist, staunch Israel supporter

The race offers a test of whether the Democratic Party’s progressive insurgency can extend to a district that includes Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and Miami Beach, and an electorate that is 25% Jewish.

AUGUST 18, 2026|ByJOSEPH STRAUSS/JTA

'What you're contracting is creativity': the hidden strain on Israeli television

Israeli television is still producing global hits, but behind the success, budgets, politics and fewer commissions threaten the industry’s future

AUGUST 17, 2026ByHANNAH BROWN

French actress Melanie Laurent (right) joined the ‘Fauda’ cast for season five, starring and co-created by Lior Raz.

Premium

Despite boycotts and cancellation, Israeli entertainers stay proud of identity - from the editor

Amid boycotts and hostility abroad, Israeli artists unapologetically embrace their identities and continue performing on stage

AUGUST 17, 2026ByRUTH MARKS EGLASH

Despite pushbacks and boycotts, Israeli entertainers, like comedian, Yohay Sponder continue performing.

Mamdani fans flames of antisemitism by pairing false allyship with anti-Israel rhetoric - editorial

As long as the mayor continues to spew his accusations of “horrific genocide” against Israel and refuses to condemn phrases like “globalize the intifada,” he’s part of the problem, not the solution.

AUGUST 17, 2026ByJPOST EDITORIAL

People attend a rally organised by "End Jew Hatred" in opposition to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in New York City, US, July 26, 2026.

Jewish watchdog urges NYPD to increase officers in hot spots after synagogue attack

In the incident on Friday night, Montes yelled during the service, disrupting it, and then struck a 63-year-old congregant and headbutted a member of security personnel who was escorting him out.

AUGUST 17, 2026ByJOSEPH STRAUSS/JTA

New Jersey councilwoman to Zohran Mamdani: You are the mayor – act like it! - opinion

Stop using the mayoralty of New York as a platform for an obsessive prosecution of the Jewish people and their homeland.

AUGUST 16, 2026ByHILLARY GOLDBERG

Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivers his 100 Days Address, a speech dedicated to outline the progress made on his core campaign promises since taking office, in Queens, New York City, US, April 12, 2026.

TMU establishes new task force on campus expression and antisemitism following external review

Toronto Metropolitan University formed a task force on antisemitism and campus expression after a review found it had failed to consistently enforce policies amid rising tensions.

AUGUST 16, 2026ByALEX CARSON

Street View and retail entrance to Toronto Metropolitan University Student Learning Center.

What Is the memory of the Holocaust worth? Less than a US visa for George Simion? - opinion

The questions surrounding George Simion, AUR, their political associations, and their repeated positions against key American strategic interests deserve serious examination.

AUGUST 16, 2026ByADRIAN ZUCKERMAN, RONALD GIDWITZ, MARK GITENSTEIN, JAMES S. GILMORE III, SABIN GHERMAN

AUR leader George Simion delivers a speech during a vote of no confidence for the government, in Bucharest, Romania, on May 5, 2026.

Israeli journalists attacked in N. Ireland while filming documentary on antisemitism - interview

In response, the man threw a large glass beer mug at Abbas, hitting him in the head and cutting it.

AUGUST 16, 2026ByMATHILDA HELLER, MIRIAM SELA-EITAM

Crew from i24NEWS attacked by a man in Belfast, Northern Ireland, August 16, 2026.

Jewish org., security expert, slam Canberra's gun buyback as 'deflection' after Bondi Beach attack

Albanese's center-left government enacted laws for the buyback, tighter gun license checks, and a crackdown on hate in the wake of the attack at a Bondi Beach Hanukkah celebration.

AUGUST 16, 2026ByALEX CARSON

Local residents, both Jewish and non-jewish visit the inundated flower memorial next to Bondi Pavilion to pay their respects at Bondi Beach on December 16, 2025 in Sydney, Australia.

The Devil Wears Galliano

The Met’s dangerous double standard: If anti-racism means anything, John Galliano cannot be celebrated

AUGUST 16, 2026ByNITSANA DARSHAN-LEITNER