In the spring of 2000, an explosion of Palestinian-based antisemitic activity wreaked havoc in France. Jewish schools were attacked, a synagogue was destroyed, and dozens of Jews were assaulted. By April 2002, French antisemitism had reached a level of crisis. Why is there such rampant hostility toward Jews, not just in France, but all over the world?

A survey of the historical, political, and sociological contexts of antisemitism in more than 50 countries.

Antisemitism: A Reference Handbook is the first reference work to present a global survey of antisemitism that goes beyond its history to reveal the roots and nature of antisemitism. Exploring how antisemitism has manifested itself in various countries from pre-Christian times to today's ongoing Palestinian Intifada, which has caused severe reactions in Arab and Muslim communities all over the world, this unique work traces the history of the hatred of Jews worldwide.

Approximately 20 biographical sketches profile advocates of antisemitism such as William Marr, who coined the term "antisemitism," and opponents of antisemitism such as St. Anselm and Martin Luther King. In this serious yet accessible volume, students, scholars, government officials, and diplomats will discover the answers to such puzzling questions as "What is antisemitism?" and "How does antisemitism relate to racism and to group prejudice in general?"

• A detailed worldwide survey of antisemitism, covering every major country from Austria to Yemen
• Biographical sketches of influential antisemitic figures such as John Chrysostom, Father Charles Coughlin, and David Duke as well as individuals who fought against antisemitism such as Abraham Foxman, David Harris, and Martin Niemoller