ANTISEMITISM
Defining antisemitism
Like many institutions and countries, the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand has adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism and its 11 examples.*
“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
IHRA - the intergovernmental organisation focused on addressing contemporary challenges related to the Holocaust and the genocide of the Roma.
ANTISEMITISM OVERVIEW
Religious antisemitism
In an all-encompassing Christian (predominantly Catholic) world, Jews who believed in the one God and not a trinity, or who did not subscribe to an infallible Church were outsiders (i.e. not part of Christian society). Jews were alternately persecuted and protected, but always ‘singled out’.
Political antisemitism
After the 17th century, in the wake of religious wars, religious discrimination was deemed less acceptable. The power of the Church declined, alternative forms of religious worship gained ground, and in the Age of Enlightenment (leading to the French Revolution), Jewish emancipation and the integration of Jews into European society gained support. This, however, aligned the issue of Jewish emancipation with radicalism (the revolutionary spirit), and thus both conservative and clerical forces vigorously opposed it.
Social antisemitism
Due to economic and social changes (particularly in Eastern Europe), Jews migrated from small rural village settlements to major centres where they created communities of outstanding intellectual, social and economic quality. This, however, aroused the jealousy and antagonism of Christians - also similarly dislocated by these social changes. Members of the old craft guilds resented the competition of Jewish craftsmen, Christian money-lenders resented the historically strong position of Jewish bankers, and the intellectual middle class resented the dramatic success of Jewish intellectuals.
Radical philosophers considered Jewish attachment to religion as contrary to the spirit of enlightenment, while conservatives associated Jews with radicalism.
Racial antisemitism
The notion that Jews were a distinct race has its roots in the racial theories propounded by British philosopher, H. S. Chamberlain, which depicted history as a struggle between Aryan and Semitic races. Prior to this, Jews who converted to Christianity were accepted as part of Christian society.
National antisemitism
The idea of the ‘Nation’ and 'Nation-State’ was a product of the Napoleonic wars. Nationalist antisemites thought of Jews as outsiders, foreigners with no share in the nation’s heritage. Their influence in the arts was considered corrupting by, for example, German composer Richard Wagner and others.
Antisemitism of Envy
Due to the Jewish tradition of charity and close family ties, societies from which they were excluded envied the support Jewish communities provided to their poor, including small entrepreneurs who tried to better themselves. They also envied the international network that Jews established through family and community connections, which enabled them to be successful in international trade and banking. The tradition of Jewish literacy also helped Jews outperform their neighbours in arts and letters.
In an all-encompassing Christian (predominantly Catholic) world, Jews who believed in the one God and not a trinity, or who did not subscribe to an infallible Church were outsiders (i.e. not part of Christian society). Jews were alternately persecuted and protected, but always ‘singled out’.
Political antisemitism
After the 17th century, in the wake of religious wars, religious discrimination was deemed less acceptable. The power of the Church declined, alternative forms of religious worship gained ground, and in the Age of Enlightenment (leading to the French Revolution), Jewish emancipation and the integration of Jews into European society gained support. This, however, aligned the issue of Jewish emancipation with radicalism (the revolutionary spirit), and thus both conservative and clerical forces vigorously opposed it.
Social antisemitism
Due to economic and social changes (particularly in Eastern Europe), Jews migrated from small rural village settlements to major centres where they created communities of outstanding intellectual, social and economic quality. This, however, aroused the jealousy and antagonism of Christians - also similarly dislocated by these social changes. Members of the old craft guilds resented the competition of Jewish craftsmen, Christian money-lenders resented the historically strong position of Jewish bankers, and the intellectual middle class resented the dramatic success of Jewish intellectuals.
Radical philosophers considered Jewish attachment to religion as contrary to the spirit of enlightenment, while conservatives associated Jews with radicalism.
Racial antisemitism
The notion that Jews were a distinct race has its roots in the racial theories propounded by British philosopher, H. S. Chamberlain, which depicted history as a struggle between Aryan and Semitic races. Prior to this, Jews who converted to Christianity were accepted as part of Christian society.
National antisemitism
The idea of the ‘Nation’ and 'Nation-State’ was a product of the Napoleonic wars. Nationalist antisemites thought of Jews as outsiders, foreigners with no share in the nation’s heritage. Their influence in the arts was considered corrupting by, for example, German composer Richard Wagner and others.
Antisemitism of Envy
Due to the Jewish tradition of charity and close family ties, societies from which they were excluded envied the support Jewish communities provided to their poor, including small entrepreneurs who tried to better themselves. They also envied the international network that Jews established through family and community connections, which enabled them to be successful in international trade and banking. The tradition of Jewish literacy also helped Jews outperform their neighbours in arts and letters.
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To report an antisemitic incident in New Zealand:
• Report it to NZ Police 105 via the web form and
• Report it to CSG online (quoting the Police number)
• Report it to NZ Police 105 via the web form and
• Report it to CSG online (quoting the Police number)
ANTISEMITISM IN SCHOOLS:
The Holocaust Centre supports children and families who experience antisemitism at schools. If you or anyone you know needs our assistance, please contact us. We will treat your information as confidential and will not do anything without parental permission.
Contact: HCNZ Education Director, Kris Clancy at [email protected]
The Holocaust Centre supports children and families who experience antisemitism at schools. If you or anyone you know needs our assistance, please contact us. We will treat your information as confidential and will not do anything without parental permission.
Contact: HCNZ Education Director, Kris Clancy at [email protected]
*The Holocaust Centre announced adoption of the IHRA definition in a Media Release on 31 January 2019, and supported Aotearoa New Zealand government's move to become an Observer of the IHRA in 2022.
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