The Algemeiner reports that lack of knowledge about the Jewish community and Judaism fosters belief in antisemitic tropes, according to the results of a survey the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) released on Friday.

Respondents who hold antisemitic beliefs are also likelier to minimize the extent of anti-Jewish persecution, perceive Jews as being white, and have few to no relationships with the Jewish community, the survey found.

Knowledge of Israel, however, does not materially affect perceptions of the country, which tends to be determined by “demographic variables” such as age, race, and political persuasion. A recent Gallup poll, for example, found that adult Democrats now sympathize more with Palestinians than Israelis and that younger Americans’ opinions of Israel are mixed.

“In fact, respondents appear willing to condemn or condone Israel and its supports largely independent of their level of knowledge about Israel,” the ADL explained, noting that 40 percent of Americans believe that “Israel treats the Palestinians like the Nazis treated the Jews” while 18 percent said Israel and those who support it harm American democracy.

Respondents who generally believe in conspiracy theories are also likelier to accept theories about Jewish power and control.

“Our data indicate that people who believe in more antisemitic tropes show a clear disposition toward conspiratorial thinking,” Matt Williams, Vice President of the ADL Center on Antisemitism Research, said on Friday. “The Great Replacement Theory alludes to powerful and secret forces working against the interest of ‘real Americans.”

Williams added that the data “gives us further insight into how antisemitism functions as not merely a prejudice but as a way people try to make sense of the world.”

In a statement, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said the data reveals a connection “between antisemitism, ignorance, and conspiratorial thinking” that can inform future efforts to stop the spread of antisemitic beliefs.

“Ultimately, any strategy for protecting the Jewish community must include education at its core — we can’t fight hate without changing hearts and minds,” he added.

Source - The Algemeiner/Twitter - Image - ADL