Euphemisms and collective guilt for perceived crimes are hallmarks of antisemitic rhetoric throughout history.

“They didn’t say death to Jews, they said death to the enemies of the cross.” — Strasbourg (France), 1348

“They didn’t say death to Jews, they said death to the poisoners of the wells.” — Basel (Switzerland), 1349

“They didn’t say death to Jews, they said death to the New Christians.” — Spain, 1492

“They didn’t say death to Jews, they said death to the Marranos who mock our faith.” — Lisbon (Portugal), 1506

“They didn’t say death to Jews, they said death to the money-changers bleeding the people.” — Frankfurt (Germany), 1614

“They didn’t say death to Jews, they said death to the traitors within.” — Odessa (Ukraine), 1881

“They didn’t say death to Jews, they said death to the capitalist pigs.” — Berlin, 1919

“They didn’t say death to Jews, they said death to the rootless cosmopolitans.” — Moscow, 1952

“They didn’t say death to Jews, they said cleanse the party of Zionist elements.” — Warsaw, 1968

“They didn’t say death to Jews, they said death to the Zionist regime.” — Tehran (Iran), 1979

"They didn't say death to the Jews, they said Khayber Khayber, ya Yahud." — London, 2023

"They didn't say death to the Jews, they say death to the settler colonialist occupiers." — London, 2025