History of Antisemitism

Why Study Antisemitism?

The Holocaust didn't occur by chance. It wasn't something that started with Hitler. Jewish people were persecuted long before the Holocaust all over the world.

Why the Jewish People?The Jewish religion has always existed as a minority (more or less). They have therefore been seen as a convenient scapegoat for the troubles of the majority.

Why the Jewish People?Jewish people are certainly not the only people who have been persecuted in this way, but the long history of abuse has made each new transgression a little easier.

History of Persecution● Persecution in Egypt● Large Jewish

community in Alexandria

● Virtually wiped out (up to 30,000) as a part of the Kitos Wars around 38 AD

● Jews were specific target of violence

History of PersecutionRoman Empire (66 AD)● Due to ongoing

persecution, the Roman Jews revolt against the Roman rulers

● They are defeated, their temple destroyed, and their people kicked out of Judea

History of PersecutionIn Spain● Visigoths pass laws

stating that only Catholics may live in their kingdom (612)

● Expelled from Spain (1492)o Ongoing persecution

under the Inquisition

History of PersecutionElsewhere in Europe● Expelled from England

(1290), France (1306, 1321, 1394), Austria (1491), Portugal (1496), Germany (1510), and others

● Blood Libels around the world starting 1144

● Blame for the Black Plague

http://www.ushmm.org/confront-antisemitism/european-antisemitism-from-its-origins-to-the-holocaust