Study Finds Conspiracy Theories Link Antisemitism to Anti-Israel Hostility

A new American study published in American Psychologist reveals that conspiracy theories may serve as a bridge connecting antisemitism and hostility toward Israel. Led by Dr. Kent Harber of Rutgers University-Newark, the research identified a significant correlation between classical antisemitic attitudes, belief in conspiracy theories involving Jews and Israel, and anti-Israel sentiments. The study was motivated by the global rise in antisemitism since 2010, including violent attacks on Jews and synagogues worldwide.

Dr. Harber explained that antisemitism channeled through conspiracy beliefs about Israel and its supporters accounted for over 55% of anti-Israel attitudes in the cases studied, marking a strong predictive relationship. He emphasized that not all criticism of Israel is antisemitic and that the study’s findings are correlational, not causal. The research team surveyed a demographically representative sample across the United States, assessing classical antisemitism, anti-Israel feelings, and conspiracy beliefs, including false claims such as Israel creating COVID-19 as a weapon against Palestinians.

The study also found ideological differences: Republican respondents showed slightly higher antisemitic beliefs but less anti-Israel hostility, while Democrats exhibited lower antisemitism but stronger anti-Israel and conspiratorial views. The research highlights how antisemitic beliefs predicted conspiracy theory endorsement four weeks later, which in turn predicted anti-Israel attitudes another four weeks afterward. Dr. Harber noted that understanding these links can help anticipate shifts in public opinion and distinguish transient moods from deeper biases.

This research contributes new evidence that conspiracy theories continue to fuel antisemitism and anti-Israel hostility, underscoring the complex psychological mechanisms behind these intertwined prejudices.