The Modern Anti-Semitism Israel Model: An empirical relationship between modern anti-Semitism and opposition to Israel

Abstract

The current paper reviews our program of research that has examined some of the causes and consequences of anti-Semitism in which a new theoretical model of anti-Semitism is presented and tested in six experiments. The model proposes that mortality salience increases anti-Semitism and that anti-Semitism often manifests as hostility towards Israel. In accord with predictions, results show that existential fears lead to higher anti-Semitism and reduced support for Israel. Collectively, these results may serve as a preliminary contribution to explaining the continuation of anti-Semitism.

Keywords

• Israel
• anti-Semitism
• mortality salience
• experimental study