Der Standard, May 2, 2020
German Original: https://www.derstandard.at/story/2000117242071/mehrheit-der-jugendlichen-lehnt-einer-studie-zufolge-antisemitismus-ab
About one in five made potentially anti-Semitic remarks. The Salzburg-based contemporary historian Edtmaier believes that visiting a memorial site does not immunize.
The University of Salzburg has published a study by contemporary historian Bernadette Edtmaier on anti-Semitism among Austrian youth. According to the study, the overwhelming majority of the 330 respondents, aged between 13 and 25 years, shows empathy for Jews and fully rejected anti-Semitism.
The girls and boys were asked in writing about their image of Jews. About one in five gave potentially anti-Semitic statements. In many cases it was unclear if the response contained clearly anti-Semitic elements or not, according to the author. The anti-Semitic spectrum ranged from emotionally charged statements like “I Hate Jews” to more careful commentary playing on stereotypes, like “I heard that they are rich.”
Muslim Youth is Over-Represented
The religious affiliation of respondents was particularly observable, explains Edtmaier. Muslim youth and those with Turkish and ex-Yugoslavian migratory background are over-represented within the anti-Semitic spectrum. Almost two thirds of those who made (potentially) anti-Semitic remarks said they were of Muslim faith. They already registered aversion against Jews in the context of the Israel-Palestinian conflict and mostly took the side of Palestinians.
The exploratory study was conducted as part of Edtmaier’s dissertation and does not claim to be representative, as the number of respondents is too low. This is why representative and comprehensive studies are needed to show if these socio-demographic factors are statistically significant, the young researcher said. However, she did point to other available studies in Austria and Germany that show the same pattern.
Anti-Semitism a Possible Reaction to Discrimination
However, the historian pointed out that anti-Semitism among Muslim youth could also be a reaction to discrimination respondents experienced. Specifically, Muslim persons with migratory background are often subject to social marginalization and poverty. In addition, the research suggested that Muslim youth are often not aware of the “language taboo” regarding Jews and thus provide socially desirable answers less often - which, in turn, puts into perspective to some degree the dominance of Muslim youth when it comes to anti-Semitic answers.
As a method to decrease anti-Semitic attitudes, politics often demands the compulsory visit of a concentration camp memorial site. Edtmaier disillusions: “A detailed analysis of the answers of those youth, who made anti-Semitic remarks shows that an interest in the NS-era does not necessarily “immunize” against anti-Semitics attitudes. Our data show similar results as other studies.”
Need for More Studies
Almost two thirds of those respondents, who made potentially anti-Semitic remarks have already visited a concentration camp memorial site. “If we want to reduce anti-Semitism among youth in Austria, other strategies are needed,” demands the scholar.
Specifically because of the politicization of the issue it is not easy to raise research funds, adds the Salzburg-based contemporary historian Helga Embacher. She is Edtmaier’s dissertation advisor. After all, anti-Semitism is being politically orchestrated by different actors, says Embacher.