A lot of people do not actually hate Jews, but antisemitism has been a recurring form of hatred for more than 2,000 years and it shows up in different ways in different eras. It is always rooted in prejudice, myths, and the need to blame a visible minority for wider problems, not in anything Jews have done as a group.
What antisemitism is
Antisemitism is hostility, prejudice, or discrimination against Jews as a group, whether they are seen as a religion, an ethnicity, or a “race.” It treats all Jews as the same and blames them collectively for imagined crimes or conspiracies, which is why it is considered a form of racism and not legitimate criticism of any specific person or policy.
Historical religious roots
In parts of the ancient world and Christian Europe, Jews were targeted because they followed a distinct monotheistic religion and refused to adopt the dominant faith or worship other gods. Over time, religious leaders and authorities spread accusations that Jews were cursed or guilty of killing Jesus, which hardened into church-backed laws that restricted where Jews could live and what they could do.
Being a visible “other”
Jewish communities often kept strong religious and cultural traditions, including separate communal institutions, which made them stand out from surrounding societies. Because people tend to distrust or fear those seen as different, this visibility made Jews an easy “outsider” group to target during times of anxiety and change.
Scapegoats for crises
During wars, plagues, economic crashes, or political upheaval, rulers and demagogues have repeatedly blamed Jews for society’s problems to deflect anger away from themselves. This scapegoating happened during events like the Black Death, modern financial crises, and especially in Germany after World War I, where Jews were portrayed as secretly responsible for defeat and hardship.
Conspiracy theories and modern hate
Antisemitism today often appears as conspiracy theories that describe Jews as secretly controlling governments, banks, media, or global events, even when Jews are a tiny minority with no such power. These myths allow very different groups—far-right racists, some extremist religious movements, and other extremists—to plug Jews into their worldview as a “master enemy” and justify hatred or violence.
If you are asking this because you are seeing antisemitism around you or directed at you, it can help to talk with someone you trust or with a local Jewish community or anti-hate organization that can offer support and resources.