Introduction

Throughout history, the Jews have often found themselves having to deal with anti-Semitism coming from different groups who held animosity towards them. For instance, the persecution across Spain during the Inquisition and more generally from the Catholic Church; the 12th and 13th centuries persecutions in England, the London and York massacres in 1189 and 1190, and the many restrictions implemented on the Jews. In 1250, King Henry III imposed heavy taxes on Jews, forcing them to claim back money people owed them, which made them even more unpopular. Consequently, anti-Jewish riots erupted and hundreds of Jews were murdered.

In contemporary times, anti-Semitism is present among the far-right and is also growing among the far-left formations in the West behind the banner of the “free Palestine” cause. However, this section will focus specifically on the Islamist antisemitic activity which is intense and widespread both among the Sunni and Shia Islam. Anti-Semitism can be traced both in primary and secondary sources of Islam (Quran and Sunnah) and within the narrative of Islamism linked to the Muslim Brotherhood and Khomeinism. In the following sections these topics will be explored in greater depth.

The foundations in the Quran and the Sunnah

Anti-Semitism has…