Glossary
A
Al Noor Mosque terror attack
A terrorist attack that took place on March 15, 2019, at the Al Noor Mosque, a Sunni mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand. During the attack, 44 people were fatally shot inside the mosque, and 35 others were injured. The attacker was influenced by the “Great Replacement Theory,” a false conspiracy theory that claims immigrants and minority groups are replacing white populations in Western countries.
Allies
The countries that joined together during World War II to fight against Nazi Germany and its partners, known as the Axis powers. The main Allied nations included the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union. The Allies helped defeat the Nazis in 1945 and end the Holocaust.
annexation
When one country takes control of another country or territory and makes it part of itself, often by force or threat. For example, Nazi Germany annexed Austria during the Anschluss in 1938.
Anschluss
The German word for when Nazi Germany took control of Austria in March 1938. After German soldiers entered Austria, the country became part of Nazi Germany under the rule of Adolf Hitler. This helped the Nazis grow stronger before World War II and led to more persecution of Jews in Austria.
antisemitic conspiracy theory
A false belief or claim that blames Jews for secretly controlling, harming, or manipulating governments, businesses, the media, or society. Antisemitic conspiracy theories are based on prejudice and falsehoods rather than evidence, and they have often been used to spread hatred, fear, and discrimination against Jews throughout history.
antisemitic trope
A false and harmful stereotype, image, or idea about Jews that is repeated over time in stories, media, politics, or everyday conversation. Antisemitic tropes often portray Jews as greedy, dishonest, secretly powerful, or dangerous, and they have historically been used to spread prejudice and justify discrimination against Jewish people.
antisemitism
Hatred, prejudice, discrimination, or hostility directed at Jewish people because they are Jewish. Used as an all-encompassing explanation for all societal problems, suggesting that Jews are the secret operators of the world, acting for their own evil purposes and gain. Antisemitism can appear in many forms, including stereotypes, conspiracy theories, harassment, violence, exclusion, vandalism, and the spread of false information about Jews or Judaism. Known as “the longest hatred,” it has existed for centuries and played a central role in events such as the Holocaust.
antizionism
Opposition to Zionism, the movement supporting the existence of a Jewish homeland or state in the historic land of Israel. Antizionism can involve criticism of the policies or actions of the State of Israel, but it can also become antisemitic when it denies Jews the right to self-determination, uses antisemitic stereotypes, or holds all Jews collectively responsible for the actions of Israel.
Aryan
A term the Nazis falsely used to describe people they believed belonged to a “superior” white race, especially those of Northern European background. Nazi Germany used this racist idea to justify discrimination, persecution, and violence against Jews and other groups during the Holocaust. The Nazi definition of “Aryan” was based on pseudoscience and racist ideology, not actual biology or human value.
Auschwitz
The largest Nazi concentration and killing camp during the Holocaust. It was built and operated by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland during World War II. More than one million people, most of them Jews, were murdered at Auschwitz through gas chambers, starvation, forced labor, disease, and abuse.
Axis powers
The group of countries that fought against the Allies during World War II. The main Axis powers were Nazi Germany, Italy, and Japan. These countries formed military alliances and worked together during the war. Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, was responsible for the Holocaust.
B
Babi Yar
A ravine near Kyiv where Nazi Germany carried out one of the largest mass shootings of the Holocaust. On September 29–30, 1941, more than 33,000 Jews were murdered there by Nazi forces and collaborators. Thousands of other victims, including Roma, Soviet prisoners of war, and resistance fighters, were also killed at Babi Yar during World War II.
Battle of Kovel
A battle fought in 1944 near the city of Kovel during World War II. Forces from the Soviet Union fought against Nazi Germany for control of the area. The battle was part of the larger fighting on the Eastern Front as Soviet forces pushed the Nazis westward through Eastern Europe.
Battle of Stalingrad
A major battle fought between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union from 1942 to 1943 during World War II. The battle took place in the Soviet city of Stalingrad (now Volgograd) and became one of the deadliest battles in history. The Soviet victory marked a major turning point in the war and helped stop the Nazi advance into the Soviet Union.
bias
A tendency to think about a person, group, or idea in a certain way that may not be fair or objective. Bias can affect how people understand information, make decisions, and treat others. Harmful bias can lead to stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination.
Białystok pogrom
A violent attack against Jews in the city of Białystok carried out by German forces in June 1941 during World War II. During the attack, Jews were beaten, murdered, and forced into the Great Synagogue, which was then set on fire with people trapped inside. The pogrom was part of the growing violence and mass murder of Jews during the Holocaust.
Black Death
A deadly plague that spread across Europe, Asia, and North Africa in the mid-1300s, killing millions of people. During the Black Death, many Jews were falsely blamed for causing the disease, leading to violence, fear, and attacks on Jewish communities. The plague is also known as the Bubonic Plague.
blood libel
A false and antisemitic accusation claiming that Jews murder non-Jewish children for religious rituals or to use their blood in religious practices. Beginning in medieval Europe, this hateful conspiracy theory spread fear and suspicion by portraying Jews as secretly dangerous and evil. Blood libel led to violence, discrimination, and the killing of many innocent Jews, despite having no basis in Jewish teachings or facts.
bystander
A person who sees harmful, unfair, or dangerous behavior happening but does not take action to stop it or help those being harmed. During the Holocaust, many bystanders witnessed discrimination, violence, and persecution against Jews and others without intervening.
C
concentration camp
A prison camp where large groups of people are detained, usually without a fair trial, because of their identity, beliefs, or background. During the Holocaust, Nazi Germany imprisoned millions of Jews and others in concentration camps, where many suffered from starvation, forced labor, disease, abuse, and murder.
conspiracy theory
A belief that a secret group is secretly controlling or causing important events, usually without reliable evidence. Conspiracy theories often ignore facts, spread fear or mistrust, and can be used to blame certain groups of people for societal problems. Some conspiracy theories have been used to spread antisemitism and other forms of hate.
contagion
The spread of a disease, illness, idea, emotion, or behavior from one person or group to another. The word is most often used to describe how diseases spread. Throughout history, antisemitic conspiracy theories and tropes have falsely accused Jews of spreading disease and causing outbreaks, including during the Black Death. These false accusations were used to justify hatred and violence against Jewish communities.
critical thinking
The ability to carefully examine information, ask questions, evaluate evidence, and think logically before forming a conclusion or belief. Critical thinking helps people recognize falsehoods, challenge stereotypes and conspiracy theories, and make informed decisions instead of accepting claims without evidence.
The Crusades
A series of religious wars fought mainly between Christians and Muslims between the 11th and 13th centuries. During the Crusades, some Christian groups traveling through Europe attacked and murdered Jewish communities, especially in areas of present-day Germany and France. These attacks spread fear, violence, and antisemitism against Jews in medieval Europe.
D
deicide
The false accusation that Jews are collectively responsible for the death of Jesus. For centuries, this idea was used to justify antisemitism, discrimination, and violence against Jewish people. Modern Christian denominations widely reject blaming Jews as a group for his death.
demagogue
A political leader who gains support by appealing to people’s fears, anger, and emotions rather than using facts, reason, or honest discussion. Demagogues often blame certain groups for society’s problems, spread misinformation, and encourage division in order to gain power.
Democracy
A system of government in which people choose their leaders through voting and have rights and freedoms protected by law. In a democracy, citizens can express their opinions, participate in government, and help shape the decisions that affect society.
dictator
A ruler who holds complete or nearly complete power over a country, often without free elections or limits on their authority. Dictators frequently silence opposition, control information, and punish people who criticize the government.
disinformation
False or misleading information that is intentionally created and spread to deceive people. Disinformation is often used to manipulate public opinion, create confusion, spread fear, or promote hatred against certain groups.
dog whistle
Language or messaging that appears harmless to most people but carries a hidden meaning understood by a specific group. In politics and hate movements, dog whistles are often used to spread prejudice, antisemitism, racism, or extremist ideas indirectly without stating them openly.
dogma
A set of beliefs or ideas that people are expected to accept without questioning. Dogma can discourage open-minded thinking and critical discussion when people are taught that disagreeing or asking questions is wrong.
E
Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church attack
A terrorist attack that took place on June 17, 2015, at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, a historic African American church in Charleston, South Carolina. During the attack, nine Black worshippers were murdered during a Bible study gathering. The attacker was influenced by white supremacist beliefs and the “Great Replacement Theory,” a false conspiracy theory claiming that immigrants and minority groups are replacing white populations in Western countries.
empathy
the ability to relate with someone through understanding their experiences
extremism
Beliefs or actions that are far outside what most people in a society consider acceptable and that often promote hatred, violence, or intolerance toward others. Extremist groups or individuals may try to force their ideas on others through fear, threats, or violence.
G
genocide
Acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group by killing members of the group; causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; or forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.
ghetto
A section of a city where a specific group of people is forced to live, often under poor and crowded conditions. During the Holocaust, Nazi Germany forced Jews into ghettos, where many suffered from hunger, disease, overcrowding, and violence before being deported to concentration and killing camps.
Great Replacement Theory
A false and extremist conspiracy theory claiming that immigrants, Jews, and minority groups are intentionally replacing white populations in Western countries. The theory often accuses Jews of secretly organizing or supporting this “replacement” through immigration, multiculturalism, or social change. The Great Replacement Theory has been linked to antisemitism, racism, white supremacist movements, and several acts of terrorist violence.
H
hate speech
Language that attacks, threatens, insults, or encourages hatred against people because of their race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other identity. Hate speech can spread prejudice, fear, and discrimination and may contribute to harassment or violence against targeted groups.
Adolf Hitler
The dictator of Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945 and the leader of the Nazi Party. Hitler started World War II in Europe and was the central figure behind the Holocaust, in which six million Jews and millions of others were murdered. His leadership was based on antisemitism, racism, dictatorship, propaganda, and extreme nationalism.
The Holocaust
The genocide carried out by Nazi Germany and its allies from 1933 to 1945, during which six million Jews were systematically murdered. Millions of other people, including Roma, people with disabilities, Poles, Soviet prisoners of war, gay people, and political opponents, were also persecuted and killed by the Nazis. The Holocaust is considered one of the greatest human tragedies in history and serves as a powerful warning about the dangers of indifference, ignorance, and hatred.
Holocaust denial
The false claim that the Holocaust did not happen, was exaggerated, or was invented by Jews or others. Holocaust denial ignores overwhelming historical evidence and is a form of antisemitism that attempts to spread hatred, distort history, and minimize the suffering and murder of millions of victims.
I
ideology
A set of beliefs and ideas about politics, society, religion, or how the world should work. Ideologies can shape how people think, act, and view others, and some ideologies have been used to justify discrimination, violence, or oppression.
indifference
A lack of concern, interest, or action toward the suffering or problems of others. Indifference can allow prejudice, discrimination, and violence to grow when people choose not to speak out, help others, or challenge injustice. During the Holocaust, the indifference of many individuals, governments, and institutions helped enable Nazi crimes to continue.
informed action
Thoughtful action based on knowledge, evidence, critical thinking, and an understanding of a situation or problem. Informed action involves learning about an issue, evaluating reliable information, and making responsible decisions rather than reacting only with emotion, fear, or assumptions.
J
Jewish partisan
A Jewish member of a resistance group that fought against Nazi Germany and its allies during World War II and the Holocaust. Jewish partisans carried out acts of resistance such as sabotaging railways, attacking Nazi forces, gathering intelligence, rescuing Jews, and hiding in forests or other remote areas. Thousands of Jews joined partisan groups across Eastern Europe.
Jim Crow laws
State and local laws in the United States that enforced racial segregation and discrimination against Black Americans, mainly in the South, from the late 1800s through the 1960s. These laws separated Black and white people in schools, transportation, housing, restaurants, and other public spaces, while denying many Black Americans equal rights and opportunities.
K
Kiev pogroms
Violent attacks against Jews that took place in Kyiv (historically called Kiev) at different times in history, especially during the late 1800s and early 1900s in the Russian Empire. During these pogroms, Jewish homes, businesses, and neighborhoods were attacked, and many Jews were beaten, murdered, or forced to flee. The pogroms reflected the widespread antisemitism faced by Jews in Eastern Europe.
Kishinev pogrom
A violent antisemitic attack against Jews that took place in 1903 in the city of Chișinău, then known as Kishinev and part of the Russian Empire. During the pogrom, 49 Jews were murdered, hundreds were injured, and more than 1,000 Jewish homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed. The attack shocked people around the world and became a symbol of the dangerous antisemitism faced by Jews in Eastern Europe.
Kristallnacht
A violent antisemitic attack carried out across Nazi Germany and Austria on November 9–10, 1938. During Kristallnacht, Nazis and their supporters destroyed Jewish homes, businesses, schools, and more than 1,000 synagogues, while thousands of Jews were arrested and sent to concentration camps. The attack became known as the “Night of Broken Glass” because shattered glass from destroyed Jewish property covered the streets. Kristallnacht marked a major escalation in Nazi violence against Jews before the Holocaust.
M
misinformation
False or inaccurate information that is spread without the intent to deceive. Misinformation can still cause confusion, fear, or harm, especially when people share claims without checking whether they are true.
monolithing
Treating all members of a group as if they are the same and think, believe, or act alike. Monolithing ignores the diversity and individuality within groups and can lead to stereotypes, prejudice, and unfair assumptions about people.
N
narcissism
Excessive self-focus or self-importance, often involving a strong need for attention, admiration, or control. Narcissism can make it difficult for people to empathize with others, accept criticism, or recognize perspectives different from their own.
nationalism
A strong sense of pride, loyalty, and devotion to one’s nation or country. Nationalism can unite people around a shared identity and culture, but extreme nationalism can lead to hostility toward outsiders, intolerance, discrimination, or beliefs that one nation or group is superior to others.
Nazi
A member or supporter of the Nazi Party, a far-right political movement led by Adolf Hitler in Germany. The Nazis promoted antisemitism, racism, dictatorship, propaganda, and extreme nationalism. After taking power in 1933, the Nazis started World War II in Europe and carried out the Holocaust.
Nuremberg Laws
A set of antisemitic laws passed by Nazi Germany in 1935 that stripped Jews of many basic rights and officially separated Jews from non-Jews in German society. The laws banned marriages and relationships between Jews and non-Jews and defined Jewish identity based on ancestry rather than religious belief. The Nuremberg Laws played a major role in the growing persecution of Jews before the Holocaust.
O
objectivity
The ability to examine information, evidence, or situations fairly and without letting personal feelings, opinions, or biases control one’s judgment. Objectivity involves considering facts carefully and being open to different perspectives before reaching a conclusion.
Odessa pogrom
A violent antisemitic attack against Jews that took place in the city of Odessa (historically called Odessa) in 1905 during unrest in the Russian Empire. During the pogrom, more than 400 Jews were murdered, thousands were injured, and large numbers of Jewish homes and businesses were destroyed. The attack reflected the widespread antisemitism and violence faced by Jews in Eastern Europe during that period.
P
partisan
a member of a group of people who join together to fight an enemy that has taken control of their country by military force, typically targeting military personnel, supply lines, and infrastructure
Passion play
A dramatic performance about the arrest, trial, suffering, and crucifixion of Jesus. Traditionally performed on stage, passion plays can also appear today in films and other media. Some passion plays historically portrayed Jews as responsible for Jesus’s death, helping spread antisemitic stereotypes and hostility toward Jewish people. In modern times, many religious and theater groups have worked to remove antisemitic elements from these performances.
persecution
The unfair and cruel treatment of a person or group because of their religion, ethnicity, race, beliefs, identity, or background. Persecution can include discrimination, violence, imprisonment, exclusion, or the denial of basic rights and freedoms.
pogrom
A violent attack against a specific ethnic or religious group, especially Jews. Pogroms often involved mobs destroying homes, businesses, and places of worship while people were beaten, murdered, or forced to flee. Pogroms against Jews occurred throughout history, especially in Eastern Europe and the Russian Empire.
Polish People’s Army
The military force of communist Poland during and after World War II. It was formed in 1943 with support from the Soviet Union and fought against Nazi Germany on the Eastern Front. After the war, the Polish People’s Army became the main military force of communist Poland.
propaganda
Information, messages, images, or media used to influence how people think or feel about an issue, person, or group. Propaganda often appeals to emotions instead of facts and can be used to spread fear, hatred, or falsehoods. During the Holocaust, the Nazis used propaganda to spread antisemitism and gain support for their ideas.
The Protocols of the Elders of Zion
A fake and antisemitic document created in the early 1900s that falsely claimed Jews were secretly planning to control the world. Although the document was proven to be a hoax, it was widely spread to promote fear, conspiracy theories, and hatred against Jews. The Protocols became one of the most influential pieces of antisemitic propaganda in modern history.
pseudoscience
False or misleading ideas that are presented as scientific even though they are not supported by reliable evidence, testing, or accepted scientific methods. Pseudoscience is often used to spread misinformation, justify prejudice, or promote harmful beliefs. The Nazis used pseudoscientific racial theories to falsely claim that some groups of people were superior to others.
R
radicalization
The process by which a person begins to adopt extreme beliefs, ideas, or actions, sometimes leading them to support hatred, violence, or terrorism. Radicalization can happen through propaganda, conspiracy theories, social pressure, extremist groups, or online content that encourages intolerance or violence.
resistance
A group or movement that opposes oppression, occupation, or injustice. During the World War II and the Holocaust, resistance groups fought against Nazi Germany through armed struggle, secret networks, rescuing victims, spreading information, and other acts of defiance.
Rhineland massacres
A series of brutal attacks against Jewish communities in parts of present-day Germany during the First Crusade. Beginning in 1096, crusaders and mobs murdered an estimated 4,000 to 10,000 Jews along the Rhine River region, often carrying out forced conversions, torture, and mass killings. The massacres became some of the earliest large-scale antisemitic attacks in medieval Europe.
Righteous Among the Nations
A title given by Yad Vashem to non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. Many rescued Jews by hiding them, providing false documents, helping them escape, or protecting them from the Nazis and their collaborators.
Rindfleisch massacres
A series of brutal antisemitic attacks against Jewish communities in parts of present-day Germany in 1298. Led by a man known as Rindfleisch, mobs murdered an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 Jews and destroyed more than 100 Jewish communities after false accusations that Jews had desecrated Christian religious objects. Many victims were burned alive, tortured, or killed in mass attacks. The massacres reflected the dangerous antisemitism and religious hatred faced by Jews in medieval Europe.
Rovno ghetto
A ghetto established by Nazi Germany in the city of Rivne (historically called Rovno) during the Holocaust. Tens of thousands of Jews were forced into overcrowded and harsh conditions there before most were murdered by Nazi killing squads and collaborators between 1941 and 1942. The Rovno ghetto was part of the Nazi effort to isolate, exploit, and destroy Jewish communities in Eastern Europe.
S
scapegoat
A person or group unfairly blamed for problems, failures, or hardships that they did not cause. Throughout history, Jews and other minority groups have often been used as scapegoats during times of fear, crisis, or social unrest.
The Second Temple
The central Jewish holy temple in Jerusalem that stood from about 516 BCE until it was destroyed by the Roman Empire in 70 CE. The Second Temple was an important center of Jewish religious life, prayer, and pilgrimage in ancient Judaism.
Shoah
A Hebrew word meaning “catastrophe” or “destruction” that is used to refer to the Holocaust. Many Jews and scholars use the term Shoah to emphasize the specifically Jewish experience of the genocide carried out by Nazi Germany and its allies from 1933 to 1945.
Spanish Inquisition
A period in Spain beginning in 1478 when the government and Catholic Church harshly punished people accused of not fully following Catholic beliefs. Jews who had converted to Christianity were often suspected of secretly practicing Judaism and faced imprisonment, torture, execution, humiliation, or expulsion. In 1492, Spain expelled an estimated 40,000 to 100,000 Jews from the country. The Spanish Inquisition became known for its cruelty, fear, and religious intolerance and remains one of the most infamous examples of antisemitism in European history.
spiritual resistance
Efforts to preserve hope, dignity, identity, culture, religion, and humanity during times of oppression or persecution. During the Holocaust, spiritual resistance included secret prayer, education, music, writing, religious observance, cultural activities, and other acts that helped people maintain their sense of self and community despite Nazi persecution.
Star of David
A six-pointed star that is one of the most widely recognized symbols of Judaism and Jewish identity. During the Holocaust, Nazi Germany forced Jews to wear yellow Stars of David on their clothing to identify, isolate, and discriminate against them.
stereotype
A simplified and often unfair belief or assumption about a person or group. Stereotypes ignore individual differences and can contribute to prejudice, discrimination, and harmful treatment of others.
T
terrorist
a member of a group of people who use violence, fear, or threats against civilians to promote political, religious, racial, or ideological goals, typically targeting innocent people, public spaces, and non-military populations
Tree of Life Synagogue attack
A terrorist attack that took place on October 27, 2018, at Tree of Life Synagogue, a Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh. During the attack, 11 Jewish worshippers were murdered and several others were injured. The attacker was influenced by antisemitic conspiracy theories, including the “Great Replacement Theory,” which falsely claims that immigrants and minority groups are replacing white populations in Western countries.
trope
A common theme, image, idea, or pattern that appears repeatedly in stories, media, culture, or public discussion. Tropes are not always harmful, but harmful tropes can spread stereotypes, prejudice, or false ideas about certain groups of people.
U
upstander
A person who chooses to speak out or take action to help someone being harmed or treated unfairly. An upstander responds to prejudice, bullying, discrimination, or injustice with courage, goodwill, and open-mindedness instead of remaining silent or acting as a bystander.
W
Warsaw Ghetto Uprising
A major act of Jewish resistance during the Holocaust that took place in the Warsaw Ghetto in occupied Poland in 1943. Jewish fighters resisted Nazi Germany for nearly a month as the Nazis attempted to deport the remaining Jews in the ghetto to killing camps. Although the uprising was eventually crushed, it became one of the most powerful symbols of Jewish resistance against Nazi oppression.
Warsaw pogrom
A violent antisemitic attack against Jews that took place in Warsaw at different times in history, including a major pogrom in 1881, major attacks in the late 1800s, and after World War II. During these pogroms, Jewish homes, businesses, and communities were attacked, and many Jews were beaten, murdered, or forced to flee. The violence reflected the deep antisemitism faced by Jews in parts of Europe.
White supremacy
The false belief that white people are naturally superior to people of other races and should dominate society, politics, or culture. White supremacy has been used to justify racism, segregation, discrimination, violence, slavery, antisemitism, and extremist movements throughout history. The Nazis promoted a form of white supremacist ideology that claimed so-called “Aryans” were a superior race and used those beliefs to justify persecution, conquest, and the Holocaust.
World War II
A global war fought from 1939 to 1945 between the Allies and the Axis powers. The war began when Nazi Germany invaded Poland in 1939 and eventually involved countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. World War II became the deadliest war in human history and included major events such as the Holocaust.
X
xenophobia
Fear, distrust, or hatred of people from other countries, cultures, or backgrounds. Xenophobia can lead to prejudice, discrimination, exclusion, or violence against immigrants, foreigners, or minority groups.
Y
Yad Vashem
Israel’s official Holocaust memorial and research center located in Jerusalem. Founded in 1953, Yad Vashem preserves the history and memory of the Holocaust through education, research, museums, archives, and remembrance ceremonies. It also honors non-Jews recognized as “Righteous Among the Nations” for rescuing Jews during the Holocaust.
Yellow stars
Badges marked with the Star of David that Jews were forced to wear on their clothing in many areas controlled by Nazi Germany during the Holocaust. The yellow stars were used to identify, isolate, humiliate, and discriminate against Jews in public.
Z
zemlyanka
An underground shelter or dugout, often covered with wood and earth, used for hiding or protection. During World War II and the Holocaust, Jewish partisans and others hiding from the Nazis sometimes lived in zemlyankas in forests or remote areas to survive harsh conditions and avoid capture.
Zionism
A movement that supports the right of the Jewish people to have a homeland and self-determination in the historic land of Israel. Modern Zionism developed in the late 1800s in response to centuries of antisemitism, persecution, and violence against Jews in Europe and other parts of the world. Zionism played a major role in the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.