Transformed Anti-Semitism — A Report on Anti-Semitism in Germany

Abstract

It is argued that anti-Semitism has to be understood as a myth which legitimizes the devaluation and inequality of Jews. Two core facets of anti-Semitism are differentiated: traditional and transformed anti-Semitism. Traditional anti-Semitism is an overt devaluation and discrimination which is more or less outlawed in Germany. However, many traditional myths on Jews and Judaism are transformed and adjusted to prejudices against Jews and Judaism which seem to be accepted by the majority. E. g., this transformed anti-Semitism is expressed by an anti-Semitic criticism on Israeli policies. Several other facets of transformed anti-Semitism are differentiated. On the background of this differentiation of facets several surveys and polls on anti-Semitism in Germany since the 1990th are reviewed. Additionally results of the German survey on „Group-Focused Enmity“ are presented. It is shown that traditional and transformed anti-Semitism are widespread in Germany. Especially male, uneducated and elder respondents seem to be prone to anti-Semitism, but it has to be observed that anti-Semitism is widely share in the political center. Although there are hints to an increasing transformed anti-Semitism it is questioned whether this is a new anti-Semitism. It is argued that modern forms of a transformed anti-Semitism have to be analyzed in the context of populism and propaganda.