Islamophobia vs. Antisemitism: A Dangerous and Misleading Comparison

By Dr. Tim Orr

In the wake of the October 7th events and the subsequent surge in antisemitism, there has been a growing tendency among politicians and media to equate antisemitism with Islamophobia. However, this comparison is not only misleading but also fails to acknowledge the unique characteristics and historical context of antisemitism.

In a recent discussion on the J-TV Global Jewish Channel with Oliver (Ollie) Anisfeld, journalists Melanie Phillips and Brendan O'Neal were interviewed. During the conversation, Phillips argued that equating Islamophobia with antisemitism is a "wicked" distortion intended to further a specific political agenda. According to Phillips, the term "Islamophobia" was coined by political Islamists to stifle legitimate criticism of Islam by equating it with other forms of prejudice, particularly antisemitism. She contends that the term was deliberately designed to pathologize such critiques as irrational fears, thereby shielding certain ideologies from scrutiny (Anisfeld, 2024).

Phillips further contends that antisemitism stands in a category of its own, unlike any other form of prejudice. It is not merely a form of bigotry based on lies and defamation but is characterized by a unique set of irrational beliefs. Antisemitism involves the paradoxical view that Jews are both the most powerful and the most degraded people in the world, responsible for all global ills despite being a fraction of the global population. This paranoia, coupled with the application of double standards, makes antisemitism a uniquely virulent form of hatred that transcends ordinary prejudice.

O'Neal expanded on Phillips' argument by highlighting four key reasons why antisemitism is a unique form of hatred: its longevity, intensity, universality, and irrationality. He noted that antisemitism has persisted since ancient times, targeting Jews across different cultures and historical periods, from the Egyptians and Romans to modern-day Arab extremists. The intensity of antisemitism is reflected in the specific terminology developed to describe it—terms like pogroms, ghettos, and Holocaust, which have no parallel in describing other forms of hatred. The universality of antisemitism, appearing in disparate corners of the globe, further underscores its unique nature.

O'Neal went on to point out the irrationality of antisemitism, where contradictory reasons are given for hating Jews: they are simultaneously blamed for being capitalists and communists, for killing Jesus and for creating Christianity, for being parasites, and for establishing their state. This irrationality is unlike the motivations behind other forms of prejudice, typically rooted in specific, albeit misguided, grievances.

Different Origins and Motivations

The term "Islamophobia" was created in the late 20th century and has been largely promoted by political Islamists. The term was intentionally coined to pathologize any critique of Islam, branding it as irrational and inherently biased. This term has since been weaponized to silence legitimate criticisms of Islamic ideology and practices, effectively shielding certain aspects of Islam from scrutiny.

In contrast, antisemitism is not a modern invention. It is a form of hatred with ancient roots, going back thousands of years, and it has manifested in various ways across different cultures and eras. Unlike Islamophobia, which is often used to describe opposition to a set of ideas or practices, antisemitism is a deeply ingrained prejudice against Jews as a people. It is not merely about religious differences; it is about irrational, often contradictory, beliefs about Jewish power, influence, and intentions. Antisemitism has led to systematic persecution, pogroms, and genocides, most notably the Holocaust. This hatred is motivated by a complex mix of religious, social, and economic factors rather than a simple reaction to religious or cultural differences.

Historical Contexts

The historical context of antisemitism is unique and unparalleled. For millennia, Jews have been scapegoated, demonized, and marginalized in societies around the world. From the Crusades to the Spanish Inquisition, from the Russian pogroms to the Holocaust, antisemitism has repeatedly resulted in extreme violence and mass murder. The conspiracy theories that have fueled antisemitism—such as the belief that Jews secretly control world finances or are plotting global domination—are irrational and deeply rooted in society's darkest fears.

Islamophobia, on the other hand, is a term that emerged more recently in response to modern geopolitical conflicts and the rise of radical Islamic terrorism. It often refers to prejudices and hostilities directed at Muslims due to their religious beliefs, cultural practices, or association with acts of terror. While any form of prejudice is harmful and should be addressed, the context of Islamophobia is often linked to specific events, such as the 9/11 attacks. It is not comparable to the deep-seated and ancient roots of antisemitism.

Different Targets

Another key difference lies in the targets of these prejudices. Antisemitism is directed exclusively at Jews, a distinct ethnic and religious group with a long history of suffering and persecution. It is fueled by a unique set of myths, such as the idea that Jews are responsible for the world’s evils, that they control global finance, or that they have a hidden agenda to subvert other cultures.

Islamophobia, while it can manifest as hostility towards Muslims, is often tied to criticisms of Islamic practices, beliefs, or political ideologies. Unlike antisemitism, which targets Jews as a people, Islamophobia can sometimes be a reaction to specific political or cultural practices associated with Islam, such as Sharia law, gender inequality, or the treatment of non-Muslims in Islamic-majority countries. These are valid areas of critique, and labeling them as "Islamophobia" can stifle necessary and important discussions.

Irrationality vs. Legitimate Critique

One of the most significant differences between antisemitism and what is often labeled as Islamophobia is the nature of the beliefs involved. Antisemitism is marked by its irrationality—Jews are blamed for being both communists and capitalists, for killing Jesus and for creating Christianity, for being both powerless victims and powerful manipulators. These contradictory accusations reveal the absurdity and deep-seated paranoia that define antisemitism.

Criticisms of Islam, on the other hand, are often grounded in legitimate concerns about human rights, gender equality, freedom of speech, and religious freedom. Questioning the treatment of women in some Islamic societies, discussing the implications of Sharia law, or critiquing extremist interpretations of Islam are not irrational fears; they are essential discussions in any free and open society. The term "Islamophobia" is often used to lump these critiques together with bigotry, thereby dismissing them as baseless hatred rather than engaging with the substance of the arguments.

The Dangers of Equating the Two

Equating Islamophobia with antisemitism not only distorts the reality of these two issues but also undermines the seriousness of antisemitism. Antisemitism has a unique and horrifying history, one that requires a specific and dedicated response. By conflating it with Islamophobia, we risk diluting the focus on antisemitism, making it harder to combat this deeply ingrained form of hatred effectively.

Furthermore, using the term "Islamophobia" to silence legitimate critique of Islam can prevent necessary conversations about important issues. It creates a climate where people are afraid to speak out against problematic aspects of Islamic practices or ideologies for fear of being labeled as bigots. This stifles free speech and hinders progress on human rights and other critical issues.

Conclusion: Recognizing the Differences

In conclusion, while all forms of prejudice are harmful and deserve attention, it is crucial to recognize that not all prejudices are alike. Antisemitism is a unique and deeply rooted form of hatred with a long history of violence and persecution. Islamophobia, as it is often used today, serves a different purpose—one that can stifle necessary critique and shield certain ideologies from scrutiny. By understanding these differences, we can better address each issue on its terms and work towards a more just and open society where all forms of hatred are appropriately challenged.

Anisfeld, O. (2024, July 23). 'Islamophobia' Is NOT Same As Antisemitism [Video]. J-TV Global Jewish Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi09osD0tGQ&t=84s