The term “anti-Semitism” encompasses a range of expressions of hatred towards Jews that do not form a coherent whole, neither in its forms – threats, inscriptions, prejudices, desecration of graves, pogroms, terrorism, segregation, discrimination, genocide, etc. – nor in its political, religious, or racial orientations. There remains a Christian anti-Judaic background on the right that can be mixed with an anti-Semitism that views Jews as a race; and, on the left, there is an old anti-religious and anti-capitalist hatred as well. Classic prejudices persist in various sectors of society, but could they fuel a powerful political movement?
Despite this, Marine Le Pen now claims to be a friend of the Jews and of Israel, even though not all of the National Rally (RN) electorate necessarily follows her lead, as seen when certain candidates from the party ran in the 2024 legislative elections. Prejudices against Jews are no longer driving forces for the institutional far-right, and even parties like the Renaissance party attract parts of the Jewish electorate that share their fear of Islam and immigration. However, active hatred towards Jews is still expressed on social media, in far-right groups, and among intellectuals like Alain Soral. The possibility of acting upon this hatred, such as desecration of Jewish graves by neo-Nazi groups, cannot be ruled out.
The rise of intolerance is also seen in hatred coming from immigrants of Arab or Muslim origin, or even African origin, who identify with the Palestinian nation, Islam (to deny the existence of Israel as a non-Muslim territory in a land of Islam), or both. The historical depth of anti-Judaism in these communities is only a few centuries less than that of Christianity, requiring a more serious examination than the dubious diagnosis that anti-Semitism circulates atavistically among Muslims in France. The insidious rise of intolerance towards Jews is also seen in various societal sectors, and the question remains whether these prejudices can evolve into a powerful political movement.
In conclusion, the term “anti-Semitism” encompasses various forms of hatred towards Jews that are not uniform in nature or political, religious, or racial orientation. While the far-right institutional parties have distanced themselves from overt prejudices against Jews, active hatred still exists in certain factions, including on social media and among some intellectuals. The rise of intolerance towards Jews is also observed in certain immigrant communities, particularly those of Arab or Muslim origin, who identify with causes such as the Palestinian nation or Islam. The challenge remains in addressing and combating these prejudices to prevent them from fueling a larger and more dangerous movement against Jews.
