Israel-Related Antisemitism, Emotional Involvement, and Pro-Palestinian Protests: Evidence from Three Vignette Experiments among German University Students
Author(s)
Publication Name
Publication Date
Abstract
Following the Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza, antisemitic sentiment was on display at numerous higher education institutions worldwide. Pro-Palestinian activities and demonstrations often coincided with overt and latent antisemitic rhetoric directed toward the Israeli state, as well as toward Jewish students, scientists, and staff residing outside of Israel. This study addresses Israel-related antisemitism at universities in Germany with specific attention to antisemitic resentment. Using comprehensive, current data sets collected among university students in 2023 and 2024 and including three survey experiments, this paper examines how Israel-related antisemitism
affects perceptions of the media coverage of the Hamas-Israel war and the potential mobilization of students to engage in pro-Palestinian protests. In line with theoretical concepts, this study considers students’ ideological positions and emotional involvement in the issue as drivers of their perceptions of and engagement in protests. The study's results indicate that Israel-related antisemitic attitudes indeed fuel the inclination to see the media coverage of Israeli warfare differently and to participate in protests. Emotional involvement also contributes to students’ hypothetical engagement in protests, albeit to alesser extent.
affects perceptions of the media coverage of the Hamas-Israel war and the potential mobilization of students to engage in pro-Palestinian protests. In line with theoretical concepts, this study considers students’ ideological positions and emotional involvement in the issue as drivers of their perceptions of and engagement in protests. The study's results indicate that Israel-related antisemitic attitudes indeed fuel the inclination to see the media coverage of Israeli warfare differently and to participate in protests. Emotional involvement also contributes to students’ hypothetical engagement in protests, albeit to alesser extent.
Topics
Antisemitism: Attitude Surveys Antisemitism: Israel-Related Antisemitism: In Education Systems Universities / Higher Education University Students Main Topic: Antisemitism Palestinian Solidarity and Activism Media
Genre
Geographic Coverage
Original Language
Volume/Issue
17
Bibliographic Information
Israel-Related Antisemitism, Emotional Involvement, and Pro-Palestinian Protests: Evidence from Three Vignette Experiments among German University Students. 2026: https://archive.jpr.org.uk/object-6021
