Anti-Semitism and Criticism of Israel – Empirical Insights into Differences and Overlaps

In light of recent developments in the Gaza conflict, a nationally representative survey was conducted in spring 2025, involving approximately 4,500 adult residents of Germany. The survey explored their attitudes towards the policies of the State of Israel, as well as the prevalence of various forms of anti-Semitic sentiment. Specifically, it examined the extent to which: (a) traditional, prejudice-driven anti-Semitism directed against Jews can be distinguished from (b) anti-Semitism that is associated with Israel’s policies but also directed at Jews more broadly, and (c) critique of Israeli policies, which is non-anti-Semitic in nature. Employing latent class analysis, the study aims to identify whether distinct patterns of these attitudes can be discerned. The characterised groups are described based on their core attributes and analysed with regard to potential factors of differentiation. A nationally representative survey in Germany explored attitudes towards the policies of the State of Israel, as well as the prevalence of various forms of anti-Semitic sentiment. Specifically, it examined the extent to which: (a) traditional, prejudice-driven anti-Semitism directed against Jews can be distinguished from (b) anti-Semitism that is associated with Israel’s policies but also directed at Jews more broadly, and (c) critique of Israeli policies, which is non-anti-Semitic in nature. Employing latent class analysis, the study aims to identify whether distinct patterns of these attitudes can be discerned. The characterised groups are described based on their core attributes and analysed with regard to potential factors of differentiation