Why reality has no impact on antisemitism
Antisemitism remains a uniquely persistent and distinctive form of hatred. Contrary to widespread assumptions, it does not emerge as a reaction to the real behavior of Jews, nor to the actions or policies of the State of Israel. It is not a legitimate critique pushed too far.
Antisemitism is something entirely different — autonomous and structurally embedded.
As scholar Lars Fischer emphasizes, believing that the fate of Jews depends on how they behave is a fallacy. It reverses responsibility and ultimately blames the victims.
1️⃣ Antisemitism is not caused by real facts
The idea that Jewish behavior triggers hostility is a simplistic myth. Fischer calls this the “correspondence theory”, better described as a correlation fallacy: assume a Jewish action leads to antisemitism as a direct consequence.
But essential questions remain unasked:
- Why does the same behavior not provoke hostility when displayed by non-Jews?
- Why are Jews accused even when they are not present?
- Why does hatred emerge before any factual observation?
Because antisemitism is not a response — it precedes the facts.
2️⃣ Hatred projects a pre-existing imaginary
In the 1940s, philosophers Max Horkheimer and Theodor W. Adorno, in Dialectic of Enlightenment, identified antisemitism as a form of pathic projection.
Human perception normally adjusts to reality.
Here, the opposite occurs:
Whatever Jews do — or do not do — the antisemite “sees” only what he already “knows” about “the Jews.”
Jews become a screen onto which a society projects its anxieties, frustrations and obsessions.
3️⃣ Facts cannot overcome antisemitism
It is an illusion to believe that more information, diplomacy or rational debate could correct antisemitic hatred.
Antisemites do not lack information —
they reject anything that challenges their imaginary.
If reason were enough, they would not be antisemites.
Therefore, expecting Jews to adjust their behavior to reduce antisemitism — be quieter, be more exemplary, change Israeli policy — is not only futile but profoundly unjust.
It places the burden of hatred on those who endure it.
4️⃣ Responsibility lies entirely with the haters
We still hear statements such as:
- “Israel fuels antisemitism”
- “If Jews were less visible, hatred would subside”
This logic is dangerous:
the more a community suffers from hatred,
the more it is blamed for causing it.
Yet the truth is clear:
Jews do not cause antisemitism.
Antisemites cause antisemitism.
Hatred of Jews reveals nothing about Jews —
it reveals everything about those who hate them.
Conclusion : Unlearning to rebuild
Antisemitism is a learned response — woven into cultural, religious and political traditions for centuries. If it can be learned, it can also be unlearned.
But this requires moral courage and historical lucidity:
recognizing that responsibility lies only with those who perpetuate hatred.
This is a necessary foundation for any path toward coexistence and peace.
📌 Insights drawn from Lars Fischer, “Why Jews cannot cause antisemitism” (The Times of Israel Blog), and from Horkheimer & Adorno’s analysis of antisemitic projection in the Dialectic of Enlightenment.
Ashteret Mission Statement
Ashteret works to deconstruct inherited prejudices,
unlearn transmitted hatred,
and build a renewed foundation for lucid and respectful coexistence.