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Antisemitism

An antisemitic sign from the 1930s in Hildesheim, Germany. The sign reads ‘Jews here in Hildesheim unwanted'. — An antisemitic sign from the 1930s in Hildesheim, Germany. The sign reads ‘Jews here in Hildesheim unwanted'.
Courtesy of The Wiener Library.

An antisemitic sign from the 1930s in Hildesheim, Germany. The sign reads ‘Jews here in Hildesheim unwanted'.
Courtesy of The Wiener Library.

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Antisemitism is hostility, prejudice or discrimination towards Jews.

This section explores antisemitism throughout history.

Topics in this section

Medieval antisemitism

Modern antisemitism

Nazi antisemitism

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How did the Nazis rise to power?

How did the Nazis rise to power?

What happened in September

13 September 1933

<p>On 13 September 1933, the Nazis made ‘racial science’ compulsory in every German school.</p> — On 13 September 1933, the Nazis made ‘racial science’ compulsory in every German school.

15 September 1935

<p>On 15 September 1935, the Reichstag passed the Nuremburg Laws, institutionalizing the Nazi's racist theories.</p> — On 15 September 1935, the Reichstag passed the Nuremburg Laws, institutionalizing the Nazi's racist theories.

01 September 1939

<p>On 1 September 1939, Germany invaded Poland, starting the Second World War.</p> — On 1 September 1939, Germany invaded Poland, starting the Second World War.

21 September 1939

<p>On 21 September 1939, Heydrich issued the Schnellbrief, which ordered the creation of Jewish Councils in Polish towns.</p> — On 21 September 1939, Heydrich issued the Schnellbrief, which ordered the creation of Jewish Councils in Polish towns.

03 September 1941

<p>On 3 September 1941, the first experimental gassings were carried out at Auschwitz.</p> — On 3 September 1941, the first experimental gassings were carried out at Auschwitz.