Antisemitism is hostility to, prejudice toward, or discrimination against Jews. It's considered a form of racism.

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) defines antisemitism as "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews." This definition is non-legally binding but includes examples to identify antisemitism, such as:

• Discrimination and hatred of Jews
• Conspiracy theories
• Holocaust denial and distortion
• Antisemitism related to Israel

The IHRA definition has been adopted by over 40 countries and many organizations.

Some argue that the IHRA definition is used to censor criticism of Israel. Kenneth Stern, a lead drafter of the IHRA definition, opposes codifying its examples into law, saying it could violate the First Amendment by penalizing opinions on Israel. Critics also say the IHRA definition conflates antisemitism with conversation about the war and events in Palestine.

Two new definitions emerged in 2021 due to perceived lack of clarity in the IHRA definition:

• The Nexus Document
• The Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism

Antisemitism manifests in various forms:

• Religious antisemitism: Hostility towards Jews based on their perceived religious beliefs.
• Economic antisemitism: The premise that Jews perform harmful economic activities.
• Racial antisemitism: Prejudice against Jews as a racial or ethnic group.
• Political antisemitism: Hostility based on the belief that Jews seek national or world power.
• Cultural antisemitism: The perception of Jews as corrupting a given culture.

It also includes Holocaust denial, Jewish conspiracy theories, and new antisemitism, which focuses on opposition to Israel.

• Justifying violence against Jews
• Stereotyping, dehumanizing, or demonizing Jews
• Denying the Holocaust
• Holding Jews accountable for actions of the Israeli state
• Endorsing conspiracy theories surrounding Jews

Some trace antisemitism to the Greco-Roman world, citing resentment towards Jewish social segregation and refusal to acknowledge other gods. Others argue animosity towards Jews didn't arise until early Christianity.

Early Christian teachings blamed Jews for the death of Jesus, leading to religious intolerance and oppression. The Church inspired laws that segregated Jews and curtailed their freedoms.

During the Middle Ages, Jews faced persecution, blood libels, expulsions, and forced conversions. They were often excluded from owning land and holding public office and forced into moneylending, leading to negative stereotypes.

Racial antisemitism emerged in the 19th century, with Jews seen as an inferior race. This culminated in the Holocaust, where the Nazis systematically murdered approximately six million Jews.

Today, antisemitism includes denying Israel's right to exist and holding Jews collectively responsible for Israel's actions. It also appears in conspiracy theories and online hate speech.

Antisemitism has been a recurring issue in American history. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, increased Jewish immigration led to fear and resentment.

FBI data indicates Jews are the most frequent victims of religiously motivated hate crimes. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported a significant increase in antisemitic incidents in the U.S. in recent years.

Surveys reveal a substantial number of Americans hold antisemitic beliefs. There are concerns about rising antisemitism on college campuses and the use of antisemitism as a pretext to target universities.

The U.S. government has launched initiatives to counter antisemitism. Some states are considering or adopting measures against antisemitism, including defining it in law.

Criticism of Israeli policies is not inherently antisemitic. However, demonizing Israel or holding Jews collectively responsible for its actions can be antisemitic.

Calling for an end to the Jewish state is considered antisemitic by some. The belief that Jews alone do not have the right to self-determination is also viewed as antisemitic.

Defining and combating antisemitism raises concerns about freedom of speech. The First Amendment protects even hateful speech, but there are limits, such as incitement and threats of violence.

Efforts to combat antisemitism include education, legislation, and community action. The goal is to create a more tolerant society while safeguarding constitutional rights.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has significantly impacted the prevalence of antisemitism, especially on college campuses. Many Jewish students and organizations have reported increased harassment, discrimination, and intimidation. There has been a marked increase in antisemitic incidents following October 7, 2023.

The Trump administration has taken actions to combat antisemitism, such as suspending funding to universities. However, some Jewish leaders worry that these actions are being politicized and may hurt Jews in the long run.