The term ‘philosemitism’ was coined as an antonym of antisemitism; unlike the latter term, however, it does not reflect a clearly definable ideology. Historically it took a great variety of forms, sharing only the common element of a positive attitude towards Jews and Judaism, or being used as a battle cry to allege such an attitude. Especially in modern usage, ‘philosemitism’ can also be meant negatively within a variety of arguments; it can be directed, for …