Prejudice against or hatred of Jews - known as antisemitism - has plagued the world for more than 2,000 years.

Antisemitism is a barometer for the general health of a society—when hatred of Jews flourishes, other human rights are in danger. Today, there are signs of increasing antisemitism across the world, including hate speech, violence targeting Jews and Jewish institutions, and denial of the Holocaust. Militant Islamic groups with political power use language suggestive of genocide regarding the State of Israel. The president of Iran declared the Holocaust a "myth" and said Israel should be "wiped off the map." Hamas, a Palestinian terrorist organization, pledges in its founding covenant to "obliterate" Israel. In the aftermath of the moral failures that made the Holocaust possible, we must remain alert to antisemitism, hatred, and all forms of bigotry.

On this Special Focus page, you will find scholarly articles, podcasts from authorities and scholars, exhibition descriptions, web links, and contemporary headlines expanding your understanding of historical and contemporary antisemitism.

Genocide

Connect to the home page of the Museum’s Committee on Conscience. The Committee on Conscience mandate is to alert the national conscience, influence policy makers, and stimulate worldwide action to confront and work to halt acts of genocide or related crimes against humanity. In carrying out its mandate, the Committee uses a wide range of actions, including public programs and activities, temporary exhibitions and public or private communications with policy makers. It seeks to work whenever possible with other governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Here you will find information about the history of genocide and world response. Podcasts and news summaries provide contemporary information. Opportunities for action are also presented.