Online Hate, Offline Violence
Ariel Koch · 2024
Antisemitism, the abhorrence directed towards Jews, remains one of humanity&s;s most persistent and profound social challenges, leaving an indelible imprint on societies worldwide throughout history. Recently, there has been an increasing recognition of antisemitism as a memetic form of hatred, deeply entrenched in the transmission of ideas and beliefs across generations and diverse extremist ideologies. This chapter endeavours to delve into the concept of antisemitism as a memetic phenomenon, examining its historical context, underlying mechanisms, and contemporary societal impact. This chapter illustrates how antisemitism operates as a memetic hatred, binding together various extremist actors against a common (Jewish) adversary.