Why Does Antisemitism Exist?
And why is it so intoxicating
Why Does Antisemitism Exist?
Because the human brain is wired to detect imbalance, especially when it comes to power and fairness.
In early human societies, this instinct helped protect the group.
If one person hoarded too much wealth or influence, it was seen as a threat. Calling it out helped restore balance and cohesion.
But in today’s complex, diverse world, that same instinct can misfire.
When people see a small, historically distinct group like the Jews—just 0.2% of the global population—showing up in visible positions of success or influence, it can trigger that ancient alarm.
Instead of understanding Jewish success as the result of cultural resilience, historical trauma, and generational values like education and adaptability, the brain jumps to a simpler, emotionally satisfying explanation: They must be manipulating the system.
Not because there’s evidence. But because that story feels true.
It’s psychologically easier to believe others are rigging the game than to face our shortcomings because, evolutionarily, blaming an external threat helped preserve self-esteem, avoid shame, and maintain social cohesion within the group.
But it’s not driven by reason. It’s powered by envy, fear, and the brain’s craving for emotional order.
Antisemitism isn’t just a cultural or ideological issue.
It’s a cognitive reflex—a glitch in how we process difference, success, and perceived unfairness.
Understanding that reflex is the first step to dismantling it.
The Role of Myth, Projection, and Envy
From an evolutionary psychology perspective, humans developed cognitive biases that helped our ancestors survive in small tribal groups.
The tendency to categorize people into "us" versus "them" served protective functions when resources were scarce and competition fierce.
This in-group/out-group thinking creates psychological comfort through a sense of belonging while simultaneously generating suspicion toward outsiders.
Jews, as a minority group that has maintained distinct cultural and religious practices across millennia, have historically occupied the position of the perpetual "other" in predominantly Christian and Muslim societies.
When a small, identifiable group achieves disproportionate success—whether in commerce, academia, or professional fields—it can trigger resentment among the majority population, particularly during periods of political chaos and/or economic hardship.
This dynamic is amplified by the human tendency toward zero-sum thinking, where one group's success is perceived as coming at another's expense, even when this isn't factually accurate.
Modern Antisemitism, in a nutshell
Historical circumstances have repeatedly placed Jewish communities in roles that made them both visible and vulnerable. Medieval restrictions barring Jews from land ownership and many trades pushed them into commerce and money-lending—occupations that were necessary but often resented. This created a feedback loop where Jews became associated with economic power while remaining politically powerless, making them convenient scapegoats during social upheaval.
The "middleman minority" phenomenon explains how groups that serve as intermediaries between ruling classes and the general population often become targets of hostility from both sides. Jews frequently occupied these roles throughout history, creating wealth while lacking the political protection that comes with being part of the dominant majority.
Conspiracy theories about Jewish power persist because they provide simple explanations for complex social problems. The human brain's pattern-seeking nature combined with confirmation bias makes people receptive to theories that blame a single, identifiable group for societal issues. When Jews achieve success in visible fields like entertainment, finance, or academia, it becomes easy to construct narratives about hidden influence, regardless of the actual distribution of power.
Modern antisemitism adapts these ancient patterns to contemporary contexts. Whether manifesting as far-right conspiracy theories about globalist control or left-wing accusations of disproportionate influence, the underlying psychological mechanisms remain consistent: a small, successful minority group serves as a focal point for broader anxieties about social change, economic inequality, and cultural transformation.
Understanding these psychological underpinnings doesn't excuse antisemitism but instead illuminates why this particular form of prejudice has proven so enduring and adaptable across different societies and historical periods.
