Why do I keep hearing people describe others as "Jews" especially in a dismissive tone?

What exactly does it mean to be a "Jew"? Isn't that a bit like calling someone an African or a European?

And is everyone from Israel really a "Jew" or are they Israeli?

I'm open to input here but I get a sneaking suspicion that calling people "Jews" is a bit too convenient for everyone besides "Jews".

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ChipmunkErnie · 70-79, M

A Jew is someone who follows the Jewish religion or, perhaps, has ancestors who were Jewish. No, everyone from Israel isn't a Jew -- Israel has a significant Arab population and also people from other religions.

SinlessOnslaught · M

@ChipmunkErnie Okay thank you but what made their ancestors Jewish?

ChipmunkErnie · 70-79, M

@SinlessOnslaught The religion. Going back a couple of thousand years Jews were a Semitic/Middle Eastern people, like Arabs, but over the centuries many other "races" have converted to Judaism, the Jews themselves spread around the world and intermarried, so the ancient genetics aren't so important these days.

SinlessOnslaught · M

@ChipmunkErnie I don't want to be quick to dismiss but that narrative raises a red flag for me.

SinlessOnslaught · M

@ChipmunkErnie SOMEHOW turned it to Arabic and then forgot what I said. 😑

ChipmunkErnie · 70-79, M

@SinlessOnslaught Care to explain?