Anti-Israel advocates frequently assert that anti-Zionism is distinct from anti-Semitism, claiming they are not opposed to Jews. However, this viewpoint merely disguises a contemporary manifestation of an ancient hatred.
Zionism is the belief that Jews, like all peoples, have the right to self-determination in their historical homeland. The Jewish connection to Israel dates back thousands of years, and throughout history, Jews have maintained a continuous existence in the land—uniquely so among all groups.
Ironically, despite the rhetoric from the anti-Zionist movement, Jews are the indigenous people of Israel.
The Eliminatory Nature of Anti-Zionism
The anti-Zionism movement openly calls for the destruction of Israel, accusing Jews of having appropriated Palestinian land. Yet, the term “Palestinians” is a relatively modern construct, gaining momentum particularly after Israel’s establishment in 1948 and even more so post-1967. Before 1948, both Jews and Arabs living in that region were commonly referred to as Palestinians.
Groups such as Within Our Lifetime (WOL), a radical coalition of activists in New York, have reinterpreted this “indigenous claim” to align with extreme leftist views, labeling Zionism as a “settler-colonial white supremacist ideology.”
By exploiting this misrepresentation, WOL collaborates with organizations representing indigenous peoples—not to advance their causes, but to garner support for their own initiative, “Globalize the Intifada,” their latest campaign.
The term “Intifada” romanticizes violent uprisings. Since 1987, these revolts have resulted in the deaths of over 1,300 civilians in Israel. During these uprisings, suicide bombers have targeted innocent Israelis in cafes and on public transportation, while gunmen have attacked them en route to work or visiting loved ones.
Unique Standards for Israel
What is particularly revealing about claims that anti-Zionism is not anti-Semitism is the unique focus on Israel among global land disputes. There are nearly 100 such disputes worldwide, many with clear occupation statuses, yet there are no protests regarding Turkey’s occupation of northern Cyprus or China’s control over Tibet.
Before Russia’s recent invasion, the annexation of Crimea in 2014 was met with a global silence. These disputes don’t provoke demands for the total dismantling of the occupying nations.
Blanket Blame on Jews
One of the most troubling aspects is the indiscriminate targeting of Jews by those who claim to oppose only Zionism. The language used in their physical assaults underscores this point. During the height of the May 2021 Israel-Gaza conflict, raging protesters targeted Jews in Los Angeles, shouting “Death to the Jews” and other vile comments. This was not an isolated event.
In fact, May 2021 saw a staggering 148% rise in reported anti-Semitic incidents in the U.S. compared to the previous year. From May 10, when rockets began hitting Israeli civilian areas, nearly 300 anti-Semitic incidents were documented by the end of that month.
Globally, Jews faced similar violence based on perceived “Zionist” actions. In Germany, a crowd waving Palestinian and Turkish flags insulted a synagogue, proclaiming “Sh–t Jews.” In London, pro-Palestinian demonstrators in vehicles shouted horrific threats against Jews.
Historical Anti-Semitic Tropes
At their often-violent marches, WOL members are frequently seen wearing red arm bands reminiscent of Nazi Germany, where similar insignia symbolized loyalty to a regime responsible for the deaths of six million Jews.
The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of anti-Semitism—which is recognized by the U.S. State Department and the entire European Union—identifies 11 categories that encompass anti-Semitic behavior. Anti-Zionists typically engage in all these categories.
While criticism of Israel is legitimate and common—often resulting in heated debates about political leaders or policies—anti-Zionism serves as a dog whistle for anti-Semitism. The movement claims to advocate simply for the elimination of the Israeli state, but this often implies a more chilling aspiration: the eradication of its Jewish inhabitants, who number approximately 6.8 million.
