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

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

What We Know

Antisemitism is widely recognized as hostility or prejudice against Jews, a definition supported by multiple authoritative sources. The United States Department of State defines antisemitism as "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews." This definition was adopted in 2016 by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) and emphasizes that antisemitism can manifest in various ways, including rhetorical and physical actions directed toward Jewish individuals or communities.

Additionally, the Wikipedia entry on antisemitism states that antisemitism refers to "hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious or racial group." This entry further elaborates on the historical context and various forms of antisemitism, reinforcing the idea that it encompasses a broad spectrum of negative attitudes and actions directed at Jews.

Analysis

The definition provided by the United States Department of State is particularly significant as it has been adopted by multiple countries and organizations, indicating a consensus on the understanding of antisemitism. The IHRA's definition is non-legally binding but serves as a guideline for governments and institutions in addressing antisemitism globally. This definition includes examples of antisemitic behavior, such as blaming Jews for societal issues or denying the Holocaust, which further illustrates the complexity of antisemitism as a social phenomenon.

The Wikipedia entry corroborates this definition and provides a historical perspective on antisemitism, detailing its evolution and manifestations over time. However, while Wikipedia is a useful starting point for research, it is important to consider the potential for bias and inaccuracies, as it is a user-edited platform. Therefore, cross-referencing with more authoritative sources, such as government publications and academic literature, is advisable.

In contrast, the Britannica article on antisemitism also aligns with the claim, stating that antisemitism is "hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious or racial group." This consistency across multiple reputable sources strengthens the validity of the claim that antisemitism is defined as hostility or prejudice against Jews.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "antisemitism is defined as hostility or prejudice against Jews" is supported by credible definitions from authoritative sources, including the United States Department of State and various encyclopedic entries. The consistent use of this definition across multiple platforms indicates a broad consensus on the issue, confirming the claim's accuracy.