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According to the ADL’s Global 100 survey, nearly 46% of adults globally harbor antisemitic beliefs. Recent findings by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reveal an alarming increase in antisemitic attitudes across various countries.
While we do not agree with many of the ADL’s far-left positions, we acknowledge that they are one of the few organizations conducting comprehensive research on this subject.
This article delves into the ten countries with the highest levels of antisemitism, exploring specific examples that illustrate the pervasiveness of these prejudices.
10. Morocco
Morocco’s population includes 80% who hold antisemitic beliefs. Despite governmental efforts to preserve Jewish heritage sites, societal prejudices persist. Antisemitic slogans during protests and a lack of awareness about Jewish contributions to Moroccan history highlight the challenges of combating these entrenched attitudes. For centuries, Jewish communities played a crucial role in Morocco’s cultural and economic development. However, lingering prejudices rooted in historical tensions continue to mar progress toward inclusivity.
9. Jordan
In Jordan, 81% of the population harbors antisemitic views. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict heavily influences public opinion, leading to widespread stereotypes about Jews. Antisemitic cartoons and articles are common in newspapers, perpetuating these negative perceptions and hindering efforts to foster interfaith understanding. Jewish historical sites, such as ancient synagogues, are often overlooked, and there is little representation of Jewish contributions in national narratives. This omission further alienates Jewish heritage from Jordanian society.
8. Bahrain
Bahrain’s population exhibits antisemitic attitudes in 81% of its citizens. Although the government has taken steps toward normalization with Israel, societal attitudes lag behind. Reports of antisemitic rhetoric in mosques and educational materials illustrate the ongoing struggle to counter deep-seated prejudices. Historically, Bahrain’s small Jewish community played a vibrant role in trade and local governance, but modern prejudices overshadow these contributions, creating a disconnect between past cooperation and present-day biases.
7. Kuwait
Kuwait reports that 82% of its population harbors antisemitic beliefs. Media outlets often publish antisemitic content, and individuals perceived to have ties with Jewish organizations face discrimination. The conflation of political conflicts with religious prejudices exacerbates antisemitic attitudes, perpetuating negative stereotypes. Despite this, historical accounts reveal a time when Kuwaiti and Jewish merchants worked together in trade. The loss of such historical connections underscores the divide caused by entrenched biases.
6. Tunisia
In Tunisia, 86% of the population holds antisemitic views. Despite some remaining Jewish communities, antisemitic chants at political rallies and the desecration of Jewish cemeteries are frequent occurrences. While the government has made efforts to protect Jewish heritage sites, societal attitudes remain entrenched in prejudice. The island of Djerba, home to a historic Jewish community, hosts an annual pilgrimage to the El Ghriba synagogue, showcasing the coexistence that still persists in small pockets despite broader societal hostility.
5. Libya
Libya exhibits antisemitic sentiments in 87% of its population. The Jewish population has all but vanished, with properties confiscated and no compensation provided. Antisemitic rhetoric often finds its way into government statements, reinforcing negative stereotypes and alienating any potential Jewish presence or influence. Libya’s rich Jewish history, once a testament to cultural diversity, is now largely erased from public memory, leaving a void in the nation’s historical narrative.
4. Algeria
Antisemitic beliefs are prevalent among 87% of Algeria’s population. Jewish cemeteries and synagogues are frequent targets of vandalism, and legal protections against antisemitic hate speech are noticeably absent. The Jewish community, once vibrant, has significantly diminished due to persistent societal hostility and systemic discrimination. Algeria’s Jewish population once thrived under French colonial rule, but their near-total exodus during the mid-20th century marked a turning point that left Jewish heritage vulnerable to neglect and prejudice.
3. Yemen
Yemen reports that 88% of its population harbors antisemitic attitudes. The dwindling Jewish community faces systemic discrimination, including restrictions on religious practices and limited access to public services. Reports have surfaced of forced conversions and the expulsion of Jewish families, a reflection of the widespread societal hostility toward Jews. Yemen’s Jewish community, once a symbol of resilience, has been pushed to the brink of extinction due to decades of political instability and religious intolerance.
2. Iraq
In Iraq, 92% of the population holds antisemitic views. Public discourse often features conspiracy theories blaming Jews for societal and political issues. Jewish historical sites, once significant cultural landmarks, suffer from neglect or intentional destruction, symbolizing the societal disregard for Jewish heritage. This marginalization extends to the almost complete absence of Jewish representation in public life. Iraq’s Jewish community, which once formed a cornerstone of Baghdad’s multicultural identity, has all but disappeared, leaving behind only remnants of a once-thriving culture.
1. West Bank and Gaza
The West Bank and Gaza top the ADL’s list with a staggering 97% of the population endorsing antisemitic stereotypes. This sentiment is deeply ingrained in educational materials and media portrayals, which often depict Jews negatively. For instance, textbooks used in schools contain content that promotes hostility toward Jews, perpetuating deep-rooted prejudices. Media outlets frequently amplify conspiracy theories, further fueling these sentiments. The region’s long-standing conflict with Israel exacerbates these attitudes, making reconciliation and mutual understanding exceedingly difficult.
Understanding the Implications of Antisemitism
The ADL’s report serves as a stark reminder of how pervasive antisemitism remains in various parts of the world. These findings provide critical insight into the societal and cultural forces that sustain such prejudices. Examining these attitudes across different countries underscores the need for greater awareness and a commitment to truth.
Recognizing the persistence of antisemitism allows for more informed discussions about its root causes and the broader consequences for affected communities. By highlighting these issues, we aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of this pervasive problem and encourage further exploration of its historical and cultural dimensions.
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