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.

Fans choose Scream as favorite movie, despite pro-Palestine calls to boycott Scream 7

Protesters called on fans to boycott Scream 7 at the film’s premiere in Los Angeles on Wednesday night, but audiences seemed to be ignoring the political brouhaha.

FEBRUARY 26, 2026|ByHANNAH BROWN

A person wears a Ghostface costume from the movie 'Scream' in Times Square on October 31, 2020 in New York City.

UN special rapporteur on human rights in Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese attends press conference in Geneva

Francesca Albanese denounces 'toxic' attacks against her

In recent weeks, Germany, France, Italy, and others have called for Albanese to step down over her criticism of Israel. Albanese, an Italian lawyer, said the remarks were taken out of context.

FEBRUARY 26, 2026|ByREUTERS

A pro-Palestinian activist holds a sign during the "Autonomous Noise Demonstration for Gaza" near supporters of Israel holding Israeli flags (R) outside the hotel of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York City on September 25, 2025.

WOL founder Nerdeen Kiswani sues Betar under anti-KKK act for 'terror campaign' against her

It said Betar USA encouraged the public to assault Kiswani, including with feces, urine, and baseball bats, offering a substantial cash “bounty” to any member of the public who assaults her.

FEBRUARY 26, 2026|ByMATHILDA HELLER

Gamers play the video game 'Super Smash Bros Ultimate' developed by Sora Ltd. and Bandai Namco and published by Nintendo on a Nintendo Switch console during the 'Paris Games Week' on October 27, 2018 in Paris, France.

CSTAT Smash overturns ban on Jewish ‘Smash Bros’ player following legal action

The player was banned from three tournaments and two Discord servers dedicated to the popular Nintendo fighting game, after anti-Israel players were angered by a series of social media posts.

FEBRUARY 26, 2026|ByMATHILDA HELLER

Is antisemitism inevitable? A disturbing old-new view of Jew-hatred - opinion

We have to be prepared for the possibility that democracy will fail the Jews.

FEBRUARY 22, 2026ByCHAIM STEINMETZ

A person holds a placard during a demonstration against antisemitism, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Brussels, Belgium December 10, 2023.

Kraft’s Super Bowl ad got one thing right - and the Jewish world can't see it - opinion

A divisive Super Bowl ad sparked outrage within the Jewish community - but did it succeed with the audience it was actually meant to reach?

FEBRUARY 22, 2026ByMASHA MERKULOVA

Football fans glued to the TV to watch the Super Bowl ads

Pro-Palestinian activists intimidate Jewish residents in UK, push for Israel boycott

The activists, associated with the Apartheid-Free Zone (AFZ) movement, have been canvassing neighborhoods in Hackney, Bristol, Sheffield, and Brighton.

FEBRUARY 22, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

A Palestinian flag is held up outside the Royal Courts of Justice, on the day judges decide whether the co-founder of Palestine Action can challenge the UK government's ban on the group, in London, Britain, September 25, 2025.

Trump’s Carlson outreach was worth trying, but it ultimately failed - editorial

The Trump administration deserves credit for recognizing the seriousness of antisemitism on the Right and the Israel divide feeding it. But it must be understood that invitations are not enough.

FEBRUARY 22, 2026ByJPOST EDITORIAL

Tucker Carlson looks on during US President Donald Trump’s meeting with oil industry executives, at the White House in Washington, Jan. 9.

Israeli modeling tycoon linked to Epstein Affair claims 'I did not know about criminal activity'

Ofer Raphaeli, who founded the Israeli branch of MC2, said: “I met Jeffrey Epstein only twice, by chance, for a few minutes. There was no friendship, business connection, or any other connection."

FEBRUARY 22, 2026ByLIORA GOLDENBERG-STERN

Jeffrey Epstein is seen in this image released by the Justice Department in Washington on December 19, 2025 as part of a new trove of documents from its investigations into the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Tremors in Washington: The targeted campaign to turn Christians against Israel - opinion

In countries across the region, Christian communities are persecuted and even massacred. By contrast, Christians in Israel are protected by law with full civil rights, representation, and security.

FEBRUARY 21, 2026ByAVI ABELOW

An Orthodox Christian boy holds a crucifix as he attends a service in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

Italy's RAI apologizes after latest gaffe targets Israeli bobsleigh team

On Saturday, viewers heard "Let's avoid crew number 21, which is the Israeli one," and then "no, because ..." before the sound was cut off.

FEBRUARY 21, 2026ByREUTERS

Israeli 2-man bobsleigh team.

'There is a future': How Finland’s 850 Jews survive and thrive in the Diaspora

DIASPORA AFFAIRS: Despite their small numbers, Finland's Jewish community has managed to thrive even as anti-Zionism rises.

FEBRUARY 21, 2026ByMATHILDA HELLER

CHAYA VOTKIN (left), president of the Jewish Community of Helsinki, poses at the Yael Foundation conference earlier this month.

Brisbane synagogue targeted in antisemitic hate crime, suspect arrested

A truck crashed into the gates of a Brisbane synagogue on Friday night, sparking an investigation into a suspected hate crime. Police swiftly arrested the 32-year-old suspect.

FEBRUARY 21, 2026BySHOSHANA BAKER, MATHILDA HELLER

(Illustrative) Australian police patrol in central Melbourne, Australia, December 22, 2017.

A forgotten voice from 1391: 'Hasdai Crescas: Collected Writings' - book review

Hasdai Crescas became crown rabbi of Aragon under King John I and Queen Violant de Bar. He counted among his friends Rabbi Isaac ben Sheshet and Rabbi Simeon ben Tzemah Duran.

FEBRUARY 21, 2026ByNOAH ROTHSTEIN

Inaugurating Hasdai Crescas Street in Jerusalem, 2011. Front row (from left): Esti Eisenman, specialist in Crescas and initiator of street naming; Prof. Warren Zeev Harvey, leading specialist in Crescas. Back row (from left): Regional council member Yael Anatbi, and Prof. Yomtov Asis.