Algerian Antisemitism as Historical Memory, Ideology, and Social Reproduction A historical, psychological, anthropological, sociological, and political analysis

This article examines Algerian antisemitism as a historically layered and socially reproduced phenomenon rather than as an alleged biological, ethnic, or clinical trait of Algerians. It rejects collective dehumanization and instead studies the formation of antisemitic discourse through colonial law, nationalist memory, anti-Zionist state ideology, religious symbolism, authoritarian politics, postcolonial resentment, and contemporary conspiracy culture. The central claim is that antisemitism in the Algerian context is best understood as a system of representation: it converts historical complexity into moral simplification, treats Jews as symbols rather than persons, and frequently erases the indigenous history of Algerian Jews. The article distinguishes legitimate criticism of Israeli state policy from antisemitic rhetoric that essentializes Jews, denies Jewish historical belonging, celebrates violence against Jewish civilians, or recycles conspiracies about hidden Jewish power. It also applies cautious psychological concepts such as scapegoating, projection, collective narcissism, and conspiratorial cognition without pathologizing an entire nation. The goal is a defensible, interdisciplinary framework for research, advocacy, education, and public accountability.