Antisemitism
"What is antisemitism?"
The motive behind an antisemitic act often stems from stereotypical beliefs and myths that result in a negative attitude towards Jews as a group and may manifest in attitudes, thought patterns, as well as in theology and ideology.
An antisemitic incident can vary in expression and severity, ranging from verbal statements, social and legal discrimination, to violence. Acts may include physical and verbal abuse, antisemitic graffiti or literature, hate mail, and antisemitic emails or posts on social media.
If you have been a victim of an antisemitic incident or if you have information about an antisemitic incident that has happened to someone else, please contact NJSC as soon as possible.
IHRA - The European Working Definition of Antisemitism
The first working definition of anti-Semitism was created by the European Union Monitoring Center on Racism and Xenophobia (EUMC) as a fundamental guide for law enforcement and other organizations to help identify potential examples of anti-Semitism, taking into account the overall context of each possible event. On May 26, 2016, the 31 member countries of the IHRA adopted a working definition of anti-Semitism that is not legally binding. The IHRA definition states that ”Anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.” This working definition should be seen as a useful set of guidelines for identifying different examples of possible anti-Semitism rather than a strictly legal definition.
