By Josh Lipowsky
Key Points
Modern antisemitism is a repackaging of historic tropes. Antisemites have adapted conspiracy theories of the blood libel as well as Jewish influence in economic and governmental affairs to fit new circumstances, such as the accusation that Jews are responsible for spreading COVID-19, just as Jews were accused of spreading the plague a millennium ago.
Jews have historically been denied political and economic rights, and modern antisemitism is an expression of the rejection of Jewish integration into society. While the twentieth century saw the rise of influential Jewish politicians around the world as well as the creation of the Jewish nation-state of Israel, conspiracy theorists continue to accuse Jews of dual loyalties and exerting too much influence in world affairs. Partisan politicians are also increasingly willing to incorporate antisemitic tropes into their rhetoric to attack opponents they view as serving other interests.
Blatantly antisemitic historical legal restrictions on Jewish life have evolved into modern laws restricting basic tenets of Jewish life, e.g., kosher slaughter and circumcision, with support from both the left and the right, who argue they are protecting animal and children’s rights. These laws largely do not specifically target Jews but still have the effect of restricting Jewish practice.
