Blame for Antisemitism

While antisemitic stereotypes ascribe generalised negative characteristics to Jews, blame for antisemitism goes further by holding Jews responsible for the hatred expressed towards them. It is claimed that Jews trigger antisemitism through their behaviour and actions or, in particular, through actions of Israel and/or those associated with Zionism. On the one hand, the attribution of blame is a strategy to redirect responsibility from those who engage in hate speech and hate crime onto those who are affected by it. In this way, antisemitism in all its forms is justified and rationalised. It is a strategy to deflect responsibility and conceal one's own aggression or that of those who spread antisemitic ideas or act accordingly. On the other, through the frequency with which this strategy has been used, the attribution that Jews are to blame for antisemitism has now become a standalone stereotype. As a result, discrimination and violence against Jews appear to be legitimised, as it is now regarded as a reaction to their alleged misconduct.