Fact Check: Antisemitism is defined as hostility or prejudice against Jewish people.

Fact Check: "Antisemitism is defined as hostility or prejudice against Jewish people."

What We Know

Antisemitism is widely recognized as hostility, prejudice, or discrimination against Jewish people. Various authoritative sources provide definitions that align with this understanding. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) defines antisemitism as "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews" and notes that manifestations can be directed toward Jewish individuals, their property, and community institutions (source-1). Similarly, the U.S. Department of State adopts the IHRA definition, reinforcing the view that antisemitism encompasses negative attitudes and actions against Jews (source-3).

Moreover, the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism offers a complementary definition, stating that antisemitism involves "discrimination, prejudice, hostility or violence against Jews as Jews" (source-2). This definition emphasizes the targeted nature of antisemitic acts and sentiments.

Analysis

The claim that antisemitism is defined as hostility or prejudice against Jewish people is supported by multiple credible sources. The definitions provided by the IHRA and the U.S. Department of State are widely accepted in academic and policy discussions, although they have faced scrutiny for potentially conflating legitimate criticism of Israel with antisemitism (source-2).

The Jerusalem Declaration, which was developed in response to concerns about the IHRA definition, also aligns with the claim, framing antisemitism as a form of discrimination and hostility specifically targeting Jews (source-1). This indicates a consensus among various stakeholders regarding the core elements of antisemitism, despite ongoing debates about the nuances of its definition.

In evaluating the reliability of these sources, both the IHRA and the U.S. Department of State are authoritative entities with established reputations in human rights and international relations. The Jerusalem Declaration, signed by scholars in relevant fields, adds academic rigor to the discussion. However, it is important to note that definitions of antisemitism can vary based on context, particularly in relation to discussions about Israel, which may lead to differing interpretations (source-2).

Conclusion

The claim that "antisemitism is defined as hostility or prejudice against Jewish people" is True. This conclusion is based on the consistent definitions provided by multiple authoritative sources, including the IHRA and the U.S. Department of State, which clearly articulate antisemitism as involving negative attitudes and actions directed at Jews. Despite some debate over the nuances of these definitions, the core understanding remains intact.

Sources

1. Definition of Antisemitism | Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
2. Understanding Antisemitism - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
3. Defining Antisemitism - United States Department of State
4. Antisemitism - Wikipedia
5. History of antisemitism - Wikipedia
6. Anti-Semitism - Definition, Meaning & Reasons For - HISTORY
7. Antisemitism Explained - United States Holocaust Memorial