Anti-Semitic symbols and representations are key tools for maintaining and spreading stereotypes and prejudices against the Jewish people. Their use has evolved over time, from traditional print and graffiti to modern forms of communication, such as social networks and online memes. These depictions not only perpetuate prejudice but also reinforce radicalisation and anti-Semitic extremism.
The process of perceiving an anti-Semitic symbol or representation (meme-meme) is based on users’ knowledge and communicative expectations about anti-Semitic ideas. In the case of anti-Semitic memes, they are digital representations that convey stereotypes, prejudice or hatred, using a combination of images and words to reinforce anti-Semitic perceptions. Anti-Semitic memes combine simplicity and emotion to be easily understood and directly affect the collective consciousness, acting as a propaganda tool.
As simplified and generalized schemes, stereotypes help cognitive understanding of the world, but also serve as the basis for anti-Semitic ideolo
gy, presenting Jews as “alien elements” and “the embodiment of absolute evil.” Anti-Semitic thought is based on systematically projected mental representations with no factual basis. Anti-Semitic symbols and representations reinforce this narrative, portraying Jews as responsible for global crises and constructing a false good-evil dichotomy where Jews are seen as the cause of all suffering and reinforcing the image of an enemy threatening the world and implying a call for “resistance” against it (Becker et al., 2024).
Anti-Semitic performances have deep historical roots, starting in the Middle Ages and extending into modern times. One of the most prominent examples is the “blood libel,” in which Jews were accused of using the blood of Christian children for religious ceremonies, such as making matza (an unleavened bread consumed during Passover). These slanders often led to persecution, massacres, and widespread acts of violence against Jews, reinforcing the stereotype of inhuman and vicious behavior. This narrative spread widely in Europe, forming a collective memory that for centuries fueled prejudice and hatred against Jews.
The swastika is one of the most recognizable symbols associated with anti-Semitism, mainly due to its use by the Nazi regime in Germany. The swastika on anti-Semitic representations acts as a tool to intimidate and accept hate speech. It often appears in graffiti, posters or internet memes aimed at inducing fear and reinforcing stereotypes against Jews. In modern times, it is still used by neo-Nazi groups and far-right organizations, reinforcing the ideology of hatred.
One of the most prevalent stereotypes is that Jews control banks, the global financial system, and markets, taking advantage of other peoples. This perception arose mainly from the historical involvement of Jews in financial activities, due to restrictions imposed on them in other professions. Also, this stereotype presents Jews as the cause of all social, economic and political problems. This narrative is reinforced by the bipolar portrayal of good and evil, with Jews portrayed as the “roots of evil.” Typical examples include accusations that they are responsible for communism or capitalism, or that they take advantage of global crises in order to impose their interests.
The idea of a Jewish conspiracy for world domination began to take shape when anti-Semites claimed that Jews were actively conspiring against nations to seize power. This conspiracy theory was most clearly presented through a fabricated forgery known as “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion.”
Despite its poor writing and obvious unreliability, this forgery was believed by those who viewed the Jews as convenient scapegoats. The document was translated into at least seven languages and widely disseminated. The Nazis used the Protocols to justify persecution of Jews, arguing that the document “proved” that Jews controlled big business and global money.
The global circulation of the text continued to fuel anti-Semitic hatred, even after the forgery was revealed. Even today, copies of the Protocols can still be found, especially in the Arab world, where they remain popular texts distributed by Jewish-hating individuals and groups. The perpetuation of this forgery continues to undermine efforts to combat antisemitism worldwide.
The image of the “greedy and money-loving” is one of the most widespread anti-Semitic stereotypes, deeply rooted in the history of anti-Semitism. Often, this caricature is presented through images that emphasize exaggerated features such as long curved noses, hands holding money or coins, and an overall style of insidious pleasure. These depictions are linked to conspiracy theories, such as Jews controlling the global economy or provoking crises to take advantage. One example is the use of such images on social media platforms, where they are presented in a satirical or “humorous” style, disguising their racist character and increasing their acceptance.
Holocaust denial is a serious manifestation of contemporary anti-Semitism, which, through social media, has infiltrated the general public without institutional scrutiny. It includes denying the fact, extent or mechanisms of genocide, as well as accusations that Jews or Israel “invented” or “exaggerated” the Holocaust. Videos of pseudo-documentaries and speeches by deniers misleading the public appear on YouTube, while Facebook and Twitter are dominated by memes and cartoons mocking the victims.
The denial is linked to the accusation that Jews claim privileges based on “lies,” fueling hatred. Addressing it requires Holocaust remembrance education, platform oversight and international measures against hate speech.
Horrific images of injured or dead children, allegedly the result of Israeli attacks on Gaza, are often shown on social media. These images support the claim that Israel is a “bloodthirsty infant killer,” aimed at dehumanizing Israelis and justifying calls for genocide.
At the same time, they portray Jews as abusers of Palestinian freedom, reinforcing the narrative that they are causing genocide, helping to promote hatred and anti-Semitism.