Plots, libels, accusations: Fingers pointed at Jews go back centuries

The history of Jew-hatred can be understood as the systematic perpetuation of defamatory rumors strategically deployed to demonize Jews. These myths have repeatedly produced lethal consequences, claiming Jewish lives across centuries and geographies.

The recurrence of these claims makes them difficult to refute before violence ensues. From the medieval blood libel to contemporary accusations of genocide and colonialism, each new fabrication presents itself as unprecedented. In reality, each libel constitutes a continuation of a long and violent genealogy of anti-Jewish discourse.

Professor Hatem Bazian at the University of California, Berkeley has advanced a modernized libel claiming that Israel seeks to conquer Mecca, an Islamic holy site. He said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netan