Old anti-Semitism, new expressions

Dror Eydar

About two weeks ago, the Committee for the Inquiry into Anti-Semitism of the Italian Parliament published its full report. The research by the Committee, headed by MP Fiamma Nirenstein, and consisting of 30 MPs, was conducted over two years. We have been attempting to understand the new aspects of anti-Semitism," explained Nirenstein, "which is as aggressive and genocidal as it always was, but is presently hiding itself by assuming new forms." Among the findings of the inquiry: 44 percent of Italians declare not to feel any sympathy toward the Jews (including toward Israel); there is an exponential proliferation of anti-Semitic websites and social networks; the level of hatred against the state of Israel passes the limits of legitimate criticism and aims to the destruction of the Jews."

The report shows that anti-Semitism is not only an Italian issue, it is a global one. The current anti-Semitism is based on old stereotypes but uses new, pervasive and widespread tools. The situation described in the report is reminiscent of the 1930s, prior to the Second World War.

The report points out the crucial role played by the new mass media, the internet and social networks, particularly among young people.

The committee surveyed young people aged between 18 and 34, of whom 60% were students or graduates. Twenty-two percent of these young Italians were shown to be anti-Semitic, and yet 71% of them had never had any direct contact with Jews.

The report noted that anti-Semitism is inversely proportional to access to education among young people. It is an evident and present duty of the institutions to find ways to intervene.