Why is Jew Hatred Increasing?
By David W. Virtue, DD
February 18, 2026
Global antisemitism is on the rise. Is it because Israel is holding the line in Lebanon, slowly destroying Hamas, and is prepared to face down Iran, while building one of the most advanced technological and economic countries in the world capable of defending itself against its worst enemies?
The madness against the Jews exponentially increases as Israel grows daily stronger and advocates for freedom, even providing for the two million Israeli Arab citizens who live within its borders.
It is baffling that in the wake of the massacre of Israelis on October 7, 2023 and the Gaza war that followed, Israel has been maligned by the UN, South Africa, with calls to arrest Bibi Netanyahu, and antisemitic elements in the West bent on keeping Jew hatred alive.
I am bewildered by charges of genocide, baby-killing, starvation and more, when there is barely a peep about what Vladimir Putin is doing to Ukraine, where it is estimated that over a million men, women and children have died on both sides in a war he started.
Zionism, properly understood, is a nationalist movement that advocated for the establishment of a Jewish homeland, the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people. It emerged in the late 19th century, primarily in response to antisemitism and the desire for self-determination among Jews. The movement was formally established by Theodor Herzl, who wrote “Der Judenstaat” in 1896, outlining the vision of a Jewish state in Palestine.
Today it has become a slur word. The word Zionist, as well as derivations including the abbreviation Zio or compounded terms such as Zionist pig or Zionazi, have been used as pejorative terms used to disparage Jews, Israelis, or supporters of Israel.
It’s now become clear, however, that we’re looking at an even more sinister pattern of behavior. Appallingly, the slaughter of Jews excites a large number of people so much that it galvanizes them to howl for the blood of more, bemoans British columnist Melanie Phillips.
There’s nothing remotely normal or explicable about this. It’s a form of madness that’s taken widespread hold, writes Phillips.
One can understand the murderous hatred among some Muslims; it is standard fare in parts of the Muslim world. Many Muslims have been leading the charge against Israel and the Jews ever since October 7. But why have many non-Muslims been standing alongside them in their vitriolic hatred of Israel?
If Israel were a failed state, would they be so outspoken? Probably not. But Israel grows progressively more powerful economically and militarily; its military forces and fighter pilots are among the best in the world. They are smart and unstoppable. Is it envy? Certainly, it is antisemitic, even anti-Zionist.
Israel has one of the highest fertility rates in the higher-income Western world. While the rate has been declining over the past decade, the death rate was at a record low, and the immigration rate was higher than normal and could rise even more due to antisemitism abroad and Jewish support for Israel after October 7.
Another reason is the desire for a Palestinian state that Bibi Netanyahu will not permit living next door to him. The Israeli Prime Minister has firmly rejected the establishment of a Palestinian state, stating, “There will be no Palestinian state” in response to recent international recognitions of Palestine.
He argues that recognizing a Palestinian state would reward terrorism and jeopardize Israel’s security. In a statement, he emphasized that Israel will maintain full security control over all territories west of the Jordan River, including both Gaza and the West Bank.
Would the US allow ISIS a base in Maryland?
Writes Phillips: Many reasons can be adduced for this wild and venomous hostility. There’s the grip of “anti-colonialist” dogma that’s now standard in the universities, along with the “intersectional” network of so-called “oppressed” victim groups. There’s the fact that the idea of Israelis as victims can’t be allowed to get in the way of that “colonialist oppressor” narrative.
I offer readers six reasons why you might want to support Israel.
1. The Arab world will always hate Israel and its people.
2. There will always be terrorists and nation states that want to destroy Israel.
3. Israel must always be en garde against its enemies whoever they might be.
4. Liberals, whether they be politicians or clergy, will always support the enemies of Israel accusing her of genocide, starvation, the killing of children and much more to appease their woke consciences.
5. Never trust world organizations like the UN to ever take Israel’s side in public debate.
6. Hating Israel is a dead-end street.
Oddly enough, Israel has never played the victim card. They just soldier on.
An even more terrifying thought for unbelievers is that God might be behind Israel’s survival and success; a thought that drives progressives and secularists crazy.
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