ARTE documentary explores the history of antisemitism
A new documentary series "A History of Antisemitism" on ARTE traces the roots of hatred against Jews from ancient Alexandria to the Holocaust and subsequent pogroms.
On April 12, 2022, ARTE premiered a documentary series titled "A History of Antisemitism," delving into the long and complex history of hatred and discrimination directed at Jewish people. The four-part series, created by Jonathan Hayoun for ARTE France, begins in ancient Alexandria and extends through the horrors of the Holocaust and its aftermath.
The series examines the origins of antisemitism, which dates back to antiquity but gained significant momentum with Christian theology. Initially, the struggle for the true faith and the separation of Christians from Judaism led to accusations of Jews being "Christ-killers." Despite the Enlightenment and protection from secular rulers, pogroms and ultimately the Holocaust demonstrated the fragility of this security.
The documentary specifically investigates why the first major wave of anti-Jewish violence emerged in ancient Alexandria under Roman rule. It also sheds light on how anti-Judaism became entrenched in Christian and Muslim civilizations. The series recounts the "Golden Age" for Jews on the Iberian Peninsula and its tragic end with the first European pogrom, as well as the organized pogroms during the Crusades.
"A History of Antisemitism" does not conclude with the Holocaust, in which six million Jews were murdered. It illustrates how antisemitism persisted after the war, leading to further pogroms and the displacement of Jewish populations from Eastern regions and Arab countries. The documentary series aims to provide a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of this millennia-old phenomenon of hatred.