Study finds strong link between conspiracy beliefs, antisemitism and anti-Israel attitudes
New research from Rutgers University–Newark psychologist Kent Harber reveals a strong connection between conspiracy theories, antisemitic attitudes and hostility toward Israel.
A recent study from Rutgers University–Newark has uncovered a strong link between conspiracy theories, antisemitic attitudes, and hostility towards Israel. The research, published in American Psychologist, surveyed over 1,000 adults across the United States on their attitudes. The study's lead author, psychologist Kent Harber, found that approximately 55% of anti-Israel sentiment can be attributed to conspiracy beliefs about Israel and its supporters.
Harber notes that this is a significant effect in psychological research. He emphasizes that not all criticism of Israel is antisemitic, but the study aims to raise awareness about the correlation between antisemitism, conspiracy beliefs, and hostility towards Israel. The findings suggest that knowing a person's current attitudes towards Jews can predict their future feelings about Israel.
The study cautions that the relationship between these factors is correlational and does not establish causality, meaning that antisemitism might cause anti-Israel attitudes, or anger towards Israel might cause dislike of Jews, or other conditions could cause all three.
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