PoliticsJuly 15, 2026

antisemite

/ˈæn.ti.səˌmaɪt/

Definition

A person who holds prejudiced, hostile, or discriminatory views toward Jewish people and the Jewish religion.

Etymology

The word is derived from the German 'Antisemit', coined in the 19th century to replace the older term 'Judenhass' (Jew-hatred) with a pseudo-scientific veneer. It combines the prefix 'anti-' with 'Semite', a term referring to speakers of Semitic languages, though it has historically been used exclusively to refer to hatred of Jewish people.

In the news

In the article, JD Vance addresses accusations that he is an antisemite, defending himself by stating he has deep respect for the Jewish faith despite his disagreements with Israeli government policy. The term is used here to describe a serious charge of bigotry he claims has been unfairly leveled against him by his political critics.

JD Vance says Israeli funded campaign attacked him over Iran deal

Read the full article ↗

The Jerusalem Post

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