Project Features

'Progressive' Antisemitism: Reactions of Self-Declared Progressive Circles to the Hamas Massacre of October 7, 2023

How did self-proclaimed progressive circles react to Hamas' October 7 massacre? New research examines rising antisemitism in left-wing spaces – from anti-Israel demonization to the weaponization of social justice.

Since Hamas's massacre of the civilian population in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and Israel's military response in the Gaza Strip, there has been a dramatic increase in antisemitic incidents in Germany. At (supposedly) pro-Palestinian protests, at universities, or in open letters, antisemitic statements and threats against Jewish life - especially in higher education - have become increasingly common. Many of these activities originate from overlapping academic and activist circles that identify as progressive - anti-discriminatory, anti-racist, queer, left-wing, and/or post- or anti-colonial - yet simultaneously trivialize, reproduce, and spread antisemitism. As previous research has shown, antisemitism within these milieus is not a new phenomenon, but since October 7th it has taken on new dimensions and forms.

While political leaders, authorities, law enforcement, the media, and civil society have engaged in debates about this wave of antisemitism emanating from self-proclaimed progressive circles, a systematic academic study of these developments has been lacking - a gap this project seeks to fill, particularly in the German context. Through in-depth discourse analysis, the research team from the Chairs of Political Science and Comparative Government (Prof. Dr. Lars Rensmann, Nikolai Schreiter) and Sociology (Prof. Dr. Karin Stögner, Elke Rajal) will examine the responses and references of left-wing and progressive activist groups and academics in Germany to Hamas' October 7th massacre and the subsequent war in Gaza. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of contemporary antisemitism and contribute to efforts to combat it.

A central focus is placed on forms of Israel-related antisemitism, in which classical antisemitic tropes are applied to the Jewish state, along with associated conspiracy theories, their framing, and their dissemination through various societal narratives about the massacre and the war. Also examined are recurring themes of secondary antisemitism, such as equating Israel with National Socialism or renewed demands to move on from Germany’s historical responsibility (e.g., the slogan "Free Palestine from German Guilt"). Additionally, the project analyzes defensive reactions against antisemitism criticism, including rhetorical strategies (e.g., "Arabs are Semites too," "Anti-Zionism isn't antisemitism") and connections to discourses on other topics championed by self-declared progressive actors, such as discrimination, racism, postcolonialism, climate policy, or class struggle.

Symbolic image: Adobe Stock