Why Anti-Zionism Often Fuels Antisemitism
Antisemitism is the hatred of Jews, often spread through stereotypes, lies, and dangerous conspiracy theories. It has taken many forms throughout history, from medieval accusations to modern-day discrimination. Today, one of the ways antisemitism often disguises itself is through anti-Zionism.
So, what’s the difference?
Zionism is simply the belief that the Jewish people, like all nations, have the right to self-determination in their ancestral homeland, Israel (Anti-Defamation League). To oppose that right is anti-Zionism.
It’s important to note: anti-Zionism is not the same as criticizing Israel. Criticizing government policies is normal and happens in every democracy. However, anti-Zionism often goes further and spreads falsehoods about Israel’s existence and, in doing so, about Jews themselves.
Many claim, “I’m not antisemitic, I’m just anti-Israel.” But their actions often expose otherwise.
When criticisms of Israel use antisemitic ideas about Jewish power or greed, or even invoke Holocaust denial or inversion (such as calling Israelis the “new Nazis”), those critiques are no longer about policy ,they are antisemitism (AJC).
This becomes clear in real-world incidents:
Economic targeting: Calls to boycott Jewish businesses.
Direct intimidation: In Toronto, pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked the entrance to a Jewish hospital. Someone even climbed up on top of the hospital entrance, while they waved the Palestinian flag.
Vandalism and arson: A Jewish-owned deli in Toronto was vandalized with “Free Palestine” and was set on fire.
Violence: A shooter attacked the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., yelling “Free Palestine.”
Lack of sympathy for Jewish suffering: Posters of kidnapped Israeli hostages have been torn down in cities around the world, acts that dismiss or erase the humanity of Jewish victims.
These incidents reveal the overlap: hostility toward Israel frequently bleeds into hostility toward Jews. Because Jewish identity and Israel are historically and spiritually connected, antisemitism and anti-Zionism often become intertwined.
Posters showing images of Israelis kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7 were vandalized on the New York University (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
The Case of BDS
One of the most visible expressions of anti-Zionism today is the BDS movement (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions). On the surface, BDS presents itself as a campaign against Israeli government policies. But in practice, it frequently goes much further and often crosses into antisemitism.
Boycotts of Jewish businesses: Instead of targeting specific Israeli government entities, BDS campaigns often call for boycotting Jewish-owned companies, even those with no direct link to Israeli policies.
Academic & cultural boycotts: By cutting ties with Israeli universities, scholars, and artists, BDS doesn’t just critique government actions; it seeks to exclude Israel as a whole from the global community.
Echoes of historical antisemitism: Economic boycotts of Jews have a long and painful history, from medieval restrictions to Nazi-era campaigns. BDS revives this tactic under a modern label.
Rallies and protests tied to BDS messaging often include openly antisemitic chants and actions, reinforcing the connection between anti-Zionism and antisemitism (JCRC).
Why does this matter?
Understanding the difference allows us to recognize legitimate political critique while calling out hatred in disguise.
Criticism of Israel’s policies is fair.
Denying the Jewish people’s right to exist in their homeland, or targeting Jews simply because of that connection, is antisemitism.
Works Cited
AJC. “Anti-Zionism and Antisemitism | AJC.” American Jewish Committee, https://www.ajc.org/news/anti-zionism-and-antisemitism. Accessed 28 August 2025.
Anti-Defamation League. “Zionism.” ADL, 2016, https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounder/zionism. Accessed 28 August 2025.
JCRC. “What Is BDS?” Jewish Community Relations Council, https://jcrc.org/blog/what-is-bds/. Accessed 28 August 2025.
