Antisemitism Research after October 7 – Changes in Analytical and Methodological Approaches to the Study of Antisemitism (30th March 2025)

Panel at the London Conference

Research Network RN31 “Ethnic Relations, Racism and Antisemitism” European Sociological Association (ESA)

The genocidal massacre carried out by Hamas and other terrorist groups on October 7, and the subsequent wars against Israel, have profoundly impacted the lives of Jews and Israelis—not only in Israel but worldwide. This impact is not limited to the quantitative rise in antisemitic incidents, security concerns, and the mobilization of antisemitism but also extends to qualitative shifts in how antisemitism manifests and is understood.

What do these developments mean for the study of antisemitism and possible countermeasures? Are the analytical frameworks, methodological approaches, and research questions that were used before October 7 still applicable, or do they require revision? How have key quantitative indicators—such as opinion polls, data on antisemitic incidents, and surveys on Jewish perceptions of antisemitism—changed, and do the numbers mean the same? Do existing methodologies need to be adapted in light of recent events? Should ongoing research projects and agendas be adjusted? And ultimately, are we still asking the right questions, or do we need to reformulate our inquiries?

This panel explores the necessary shifts in antisemitism research across various dimensions:

  • Overall approaches
  • Quantitative and qualitative methodologies
  • Actor-centered analyses
  • Mobilization processes of antisemitism
  • Political dimensions
  • Ideological and intersectional perspectives
  • Security-related aspects of contemporary antisemitism

Chair:

Elke Rajal, Co-Coordinator, Research Network ESA RN31 / University of Passau

Panelists:

Alejandro Baer, Spanish Research Council

David Hirsh, Goldsmiths, University of London / LCSA

Karin Stoegner, University of Passau

Kim Robin Stoller, Coordinator, Research Network ESA RN31 / International Institute for Education and Research on Antisemitism

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