Resource type: Research Reports

Many of the antisemitic myths perpetrated against Jews, either as individuals or as a collective, can be traced back historically. All of the myths can be
discredited. This briefing aims to serve as a guide to historical myths, persistent accusations and modern misconceptions alleged about Jews and the truth behind them. It is by no means fully comprehensive, with new conspiracy theories regularly coined and old tropes perpetuated on social media, and further reading is encouraged.

On 26 May 2016, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) adopted a Working Definition of antisemitism, which has also been formally adopted by the Government of the
United Kingdom. Accompanying the definition and integral to it are 11 examples. This Working Definition should be regarded as a helpful set of guidelines to help identify different examples of possible antisemitism, rather than a strict legal definition.

This guide provides a breakdown of each of the IHRA’s explanatory clauses, supported by details of reported cases of antisemitism to help illustrate the different ways in which antisemitism manifests and has affected Britain’s Jews. All the cases included are illustrative and do not constitute a complete list of antisemitic incidents in the United Kingdom. Each case, as the full IHRA definition makes clear, must be judged on its particular context.