The Hidden Roots of Antisemitism
Why Jew Hatred Emerges on Both the Left and the Right
Antisemitism, one of the most persistent forms of prejudice in human history, continues to resurface in diverse and seemingly disconnected contexts. From the far left’s critiques of Israel to the far right’s ethno-nationalist ideologies, hatred toward Jewish people unites unlikely allies across the political spectrum. My thesis is that antisemitism is driven not by negative experiences but by the pursuit of positive psychological and social rewards: moral virtue on the left and identity on the right. By exploring these motivations, we can better understand the roots of antisemitism and propose pathways to address it.
The Left’s Pursuit of Moral Virtue
For many on the far left, antisemitism emerges from a desire to claim moral superiority in their quest for a better world. Progressives often frame their ideology as a fight against oppression, seeking to align themselves with what they perceive as the “right side of history.” Jewish people, historically positioned as a distinct group with a divinely ordained moral code (e.g., the Torah’s ethical teachings), can become a target for those seeking to assert their own virtue. For example, some leftist rhetoric portrays Jews or Israel as oppressors, simplifying complex geopolitical issues into a narrative of good versus evil. This framing allows activists to “harvest” moral virtue by condemning Jews as morally inferior, reinforcing their own sense of righteousness. This dynamic is not new. Historically, Marxist critiques of capitalism sometimes scapegoated Jewish financiers, as seen in 19th-century socialist literature. Today, X posts from progressive activists often amplify critiques of “Zionism” that veer into antisemitic tropes, such as conspiracies about Jewish global influence. By positioning Jews as a foil, the far left constructs a subjective moral framework where their goodness is affirmed through collective condemnation.
The Right’s Quest for Identity
On the far right, antisemitism is less about moral virtue and more about securing a stable, exclusive identity. Jewish chosenness, rooted in biblical narratives of God’s covenant with Abraham’s descendants, provides a clear and enduring identity that some on the right envy or resent. Far-right groups, such as white supremacists or ethno-nationalists, often assert their own “chosen” status, whether through racial purity or cultural superiority, by denying or demonizing Jewish identity. For instance, neo-Nazi propaganda frequently portrays Jews as threats to a homogenous national identity, a trope evident in historical movements like the Third Reich and in contemporary X posts promoting “Great Replacement” theories. By rejecting Jewish chosenness, the far right seeks to elevate their own group’s status as uniquely significant. This pursuit of identity is particularly appealing in times of cultural or economic uncertainty, when clear group boundaries provide a sense of belonging and purpose.
The Role of Current Events
Events like the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict do not cause antisemitism but serve as opportunities for both sides to “harvest” their desired rewards. On the left, protests against Israeli policies often spill into generalizations about Jewish people, as seen in slogans that equate Zionism with global oppression. On the right, the same conflict fuels narratives of Jewish conspiracies undermining national sovereignty. These occasions amplify existing prejudices, providing fresh contexts for the left to claim moral virtue and the right to assert identity.
A Path Forward
The human need for purpose, moral clarity, and identity is universal, as Holocaust survivor Victor Frankl articulated in Man’s Search for Meaning. Antisemitism persists because it offers a distorted shortcut to these needs. To combat it, we must address these underlying desires constructively. Education and dialogue can foster mutual understanding, emphasizing shared humanity over division. For those who share a Christian perspective, the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing universal righteousness and inclusion, offer one framework for transcending prejudice. Jesus is the only Jew who we can harvest these things from without destroying ourselves or the Jewish people.
Conclusion
Jesus came to help solve both of these problems by giving us his righteousness and declaring anyone who has received that righteousness by faith as one of the chosen.. Antisemitism’s persistence across the political spectrum reveals a deeper truth about human nature: the quest for moral virtue and identity can lead to destructive outcomes when misdirected. By understanding these roots, we can better predict and counter antisemitism’s resurgence. That’s why the Gospel is the only hope for stemming the tide of antisemitism.