Fact Check: The Houthis are antisemitic

Fact Check: "The Houthis are antisemitic"

What We Know

The claim that the Houthis are antisemitic is supported by various reports and analyses. The 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom indicates that Houthi-controlled media have disseminated antisemitic statements and sermons. This aligns with findings from the PDF Religious Freedom in Houthi‐Controlled Areas of Yemen, which states that the Houthis have historically used antisemitism as a political tool, including the destruction of Jewish homes and the expulsion of the Jewish community from Yemen.

Furthermore, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has documented a "long tradition of antisemitism and anti-Israel hate" within Houthi ideology, highlighting the use of antisemitic tropes in public statements by Houthi leaders, such as a 2022 address by Abdul-Malek Al-Houthi that included derogatory references to Jews (source-5). The ADL also notes that the Houthi slogan contains the phrase "curses upon the Jews," which has been used to justify hostility toward the Jewish community (source-1, source-4).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim of antisemitism among the Houthis is substantial, with multiple credible sources corroborating this assertion. The 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom is a government report that provides a comprehensive overview of religious freedom issues in Yemen, including the actions of the Houthis. This source is reliable due to its official nature and the rigorous standards typically associated with government reports.

The PDF Religious Freedom in Houthi‐Controlled Areas of Yemen offers specific examples of antisemitic actions and rhetoric, further reinforcing the claim. The ADL's analysis (source-3) provides contextual historical insights into the Houthis' antisemitic ideology, which adds depth to the understanding of their motivations and actions.

However, it is important to note that while the Houthis exhibit antisemitic behavior and rhetoric, the degree of this antisemitism can vary and may not reflect a monolithic ideology among all individuals within the movement. Additionally, the political context in which these statements are made—often in relation to conflicts involving Israel and the West—can complicate the interpretation of their antisemitic rhetoric.

Conclusion

The claim that "the Houthis are antisemitic" is Partially True. There is significant evidence of antisemitic statements and actions by the Houthis, supported by credible reports and analyses. However, the complexity of the political context and the diversity of perspectives within the movement suggest that while antisemitism is a notable aspect of Houthi ideology, it may not encompass the entirety of their beliefs or actions.

Sources

1. PDF Religious Freedom in Houthi‐Controlled Areas of Yemen
2. 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Yemen
3. The Houthis: A Long Tradition of Antisemitism and Anti-Israel Hate
4. The Houthis: A Long Tradition of Antisemitism and Anti- ...
5. The Houthis Red Sea Gambit: A New Front of the Gaza War
6. In Yemen, antisemitism is rampant despite few Jews
7. What to Know About the Houthis, Their Attacks on Israel ...
8. The Houthis and the Jews - JNS.org