Antisemitism and Holocaust Distortion in the Context of the War in Ukraine

This report examines antisemitism and Holocaust distortion in the context of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began on 24 February 2022. It explores how longstanding antisemitic narratives and the manipulation of Holocaust memory have been used in public discourse surrounding the war. The report provides an introduction to the concepts of antisemitism and Holocaust distortion before examining their manifestations within the political and historical context of the conflict.

Drawing on examples from political statements, public discourse, and social media, the report looks at narratives blaming Jews for the war, conspiracy theories surrounding President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his Jewish identity, and claims concerning Jewish or “Zionist” influence. It also examines the instrumentalisation of Holocaust history, including comparisons between the war and the Holocaust, accusations of Nazism, Holocaust inversion, and the trivialisation of Holocaust memory. The report concludes by calling for continued research, education, legal measures addressing hate crimes, support for Jewish communities, and international cooperation to counter these trends.