: refers to Hungarian-born Holocaust survivor George Soros,
a billionaire philanthropist, who was born Jewish, and
champions liberal and progressive causes
WHEN IT’S ANTISEMITIC:
George Soros is vilified in some quarters of the world (and
revered in others) for supporting progressive causes such as
immigration and criminal justice reform. In the U.S., George
Soros has been charged by the far-right with funding Black
Lives Matter protests and migrant caravans to the southern U.S.
border. He is also the namesake of the anti-migrant legislation
in his native Hungary (the so-called “Stop Soros law,” which
criminalizes aiding migrants) (see laughing Jew, Jewish figures).
A post suggesting George Soros was involved in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Criticizing Soros or his politics and actions is not antisemitic.
Indeed, those who have suggested that any criticism is
antisemitic do real disservice to the cause of fighting Jew hatred.
However, when Soros is used as a symbol for Jewish
control, wealth, and power, the criticism may be an updated
version of traditional antisemitic tropes (see conspiracy
theory, control, Jewish figures, cabal, globalist).
Unfortunately, hatred of George Soros has not remained
solely on the Internet. In October 2018, a far-right agitator
sent a bomb to his house, as part of a string of bomb threats
against prominent Democrats. In early 2023, far-right figures accused George Soros of funding the indictment of former President Donald Trump.