In the rich fabric of human history, one thread stands out for its tenacity and resilience—an issue that continues to perplex and concern us: anti-Semitism. For millennia, Jewish communities have been the target of hatred, persecution, and bloodshed. The question that emerges is why, despite progress and awareness, Jews continue to be targeted. The answer to this topic is diverse and profoundly founded in historical, social, and psychological considerations. Historical biases frequently originate from religious disputes and have endured over several generations. In the first century AD, the Jews lived across the Roman Empire in relative harmony. The rebellion in Judaea led to a major change in the practice of their faith, and the Romans saw everything about them as a red flag. Even in numerous Roman documents, Jews are described as 'the intoxicated and disorderly' people.

The notion of attributing the responsibility of Jesus Christ's crucifixion to Jews serves as a prominent illustration of this enduring bigotry. This phenomenon has resulted in a distorted perspective that characterizes Jews as fundamentally malevolent, and these perceptions might prove challenging to eliminate despite the passage of time. Such sentiments led to a religious rivalry between the Christians and the Jews, and the Roman Catholic Church played a key role in it. The church believed that Jews had no reason to live anymore, that their entire purpose was to prepare for the arrival of Jesus Christ, and that once that was accomplished, Jews had nothing else to do.

Rome came closer to Christianity in AD 312 when their ruler Constantine converted to Christianity, and the Church gained increased influence. New laws were enacted, Jews were pushed to the periphery of society, and they were denied basic rights and liberties. Jews were required to wear identification, such as a yellow badge. The goal was to recognize them and avoid them. Jews were also accused of blood libel, or the murder of Christian youths and the use of their blood in ceremonies. Today, we call all of this fake news, but back then, most people believed the anti-Jewish propaganda. It is well acknowledged that Jewish individuals have engaged in the practice of moneylending. These individuals were perceived to possess the same level of deceitfulness and shrewdness as the character Shylock from William Shakespeare's play, The Merchant of Venice. The emergence of Jews as money lenders can be attributed to the prohibition of usury within early Christian doctrine, necessitating the involvement of individuals from the Jewish community in this financial practice. The focus was solely on economics rather than an overarching plan to establish global dominance.

Anti-Semitism was, in many respects, a useful instrument for assigning blame to Jews for anything and everything that went wrong elsewhere. Up until this point, religious competition has been the primary focus of Semitism. However, in 1859, Charles Darwin wrote his now-famous essay "On the Origin of Species," in which he largely discussed the development of creatures and the concept of "survival of the fittest." A German journalist, Wilhelm Marr, used the term anti-Semitism for the first time at this time to favor and portray Jews as an inferior race. Hitler relied on this notion to support his position that some racial groups are superior to others and that the Jews constitute a substandard race that ought to be eradicated. Hitler blamed the Jews for the loss in World War I, and he wanted a pure Aryan-race Germany. During the 20th century, the Holocaust emerged as a significant event that should have functioned as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching ramifications resulting from unbridled anti-Semitism. The occurrence of the extermination of six million Jews ought to have prompted a worldwide consensus that the perpetuation of such animosity must be prevented at all costs in the future. Nevertheless, the lessons derived from historical events are not consistently internalized, resulting in the persistence of anti-Semitism in contemporary society. This phenomenon frequently manifests itself in more covert and pernicious ways.

The phenomenon of contemporary anti-Semitism has demonstrated its ability to adapt to the characteristics and demands of the present day. The dissemination of conspiracy theories regarding Jewish global dominance can be observed through online platforms. Hate crimes and instances of discrimination targeting Jewish individuals and communities are also observable manifestations of this phenomenon. The anonymity and wide-ranging reach of the internet have made it easier to spread and establish these sentiments. The perpetuation of anti-Semitism can be partially ascribed to a dearth of knowledge and inadequate educational opportunities. The perpetuation of stereotypes and prejudices throughout generations is a common occurrence, and in the absence of adequate education and constructive discourse, these detrimental convictions can persist and thrive. Efforts aimed at addressing the issue of anti-Semitism should prioritize the promotion of intercultural understanding and religious tolerance. It is imperative to recognize that anti-Semitism is a multifaceted and diverse phenomenon. Various areas and civilizations possess distinct expressions and historical manifestations of animosity directed towards Jewish communities. Nevertheless, what unites these individuals is their irrational conviction in the innate malevolence attributed to Jews. The global effort to combat anti-Semitism necessitates the collective involvement of governments, communities, and individuals.

Finally, the fact that anti-Semitism still exists is a complicated issue that is deeply rooted in history, prejudiced attitudes, and complex social interactions. To effectively fight this prejudice, it is necessary to use strategies that include educational programs, encouraging open and constructive conversation, and making a firm decision to reject blaming and hostility. It is very important to remember the lessons we can learn from the past, integrate them, and take action to stop anti-Semitism from spreading as a harmful part of society. It is only through the collective endeavors of individuals that we may aspire to ultimately eradicate this enduring animosity.

Kritee Chopra Sharma is currently a doctoral scholar at Christ University and also works as a senior research affiliate at the Center for East Asian Studies there. Her research focuses on China’s treatment of human rights issues in Inner Mongolia for her thesis. Her areas of interest include migration in the East Asian region as well as human rights and the rights of minorities.