"JERUSALEM OVERTAKER" – an antisemitic comb-shaped card. Early 20th century

"JERUSALEM OVERTAKER" – “The Jerusalem (Over)Taker”. An antisemitic comb-shaped card. Early 20th century.

An antisemitic card in the shape of a lice comb, portraying Jews as lice attempting to "overtake" Jerusalem, being combed out and cast away.

The depiction of Jews as spiders, parasites, or insects was one of the central motifs in antisemitic propaganda—appearing in caricatures, posters, and trade cards. The idea was to portray Jews as non-human, reproducing uncontrollably and spreading at the expense of other nations. Beginning in the 19th century, and especially with the rise of nationalist movements in Europe, so-called “satirical cards” and “playing cards” were circulated to spread anti-Jewish stereotypes. Jerusalem was chosen here as a symbol of the national Jewish awakening and the return of Jews to the Land of Israel at the time. The card depicts the Jew as one seeking to "seize control" of Jerusalem.

9×5.5 cm. Very good condition.