Individuals of Jewish heritage have been instrumental in advancing entertainment, business and finance. They have a long and established history and have positive influence in medical and scientific advancements. They have been a people suppressed, yet they fought against the odds to establish a modern homeland. For all the contributions the Jewish culture has provided there are some who have an irrational fear of anyone who comes from a Jewish heritage. This fear is known as Judeophobia.
In spite of a national history of being oppressed and enslaved this culture has managed to defy the odds and encounter success on a piece of land fought over for centuries.
What Causes Judeophobia?
From a religious standpoint the Jewish people have been described as the “Chosen People” of God. This causes other people groups and religious movements to view them with concern and sometimes hostility. This can present a feeling of fear among those who struggle with what that means.
If an adult who had influence over you as a child expressed fear, misgiving or even hatred toward the Jews then you should know that modeled behavior is a significant contributor to the presence and growth of personal fear.
A personal encounter with a Jewish individual that was ultimately negative can also lead an individual to embrace a certain amount of fear toward other Jews. Interestingly unless the fear is dealt with it ultimately grows and the reaction you have becomes stronger. Intervention is almost always required.
What are the Symptoms of Judeophobia?
An individual with this fear would not be willing to visit Israel. They would not frequent a store they knew to be owned by a Jew. They may develop strong social anxiety, and may be prone to personal racial profiling as a means of avoiding contact with someone of Jewish origin.
Other symptoms may also include…
- Trembling
- Air hunger
- Nausea
- Fainting
- An urge to flee
- Control loss
- Elevated heart rate
- Temporary elevation in body temperature
- Sweating
- Panic attacks
The role of fear in a people group is often the result of a misunderstanding of the culture or of their history. This can also be something related to historical data that may not reflect what is true about the culture today.
How to Overcome Judeophobia
Overcoming this fear can be important if only because it feeds on misinformation, partial truths and blatant lies. Whenever something is not fully understood fear can develop in that void of understanding.
When an individual visits with a therapist it often results in allowing the individual to learn more about themselves, their past, and what or who may have contributed to what is often a lifelong fear until an intervention takes place.
Beyond learning more about the culture there may be a need to address social anxiety as well. It is rare that the fear you are experiencing right now is the only fear you struggle with. When it comes to phobias they always invite friends and multiple phobias learn to coexist very well together.
The fear of Jews is also referred to as:
- Jewish fear
- Judeophobia
