Is it anti-Semitic to be anti-Zionist? This is a very fair question to ask.
First, when we speak of anti-Semitism, we are not referring to valid and fair criticisms of individual Jewish people or Jewish people as a group. We are talking about the demonization of the Jewish people as a whole and the spreading of falsehoods about them.
So, is it anti-Semitic to be an anti-Zionist? If you have issues with the way Israel treats the Palestinians but still recognize Israel’s right to exist, if you acknowledge that there are two sides to the conflict but believe Israel often takes the wrong stance, that is perfectly fair and legitimate to discuss.
On the other hand, if you delegitimize Israel’s right to exist, deny its right to a homeland, demonize the nation as a whole by labeling it genocidal or an apartheid state, or spread blatant lies—such as claiming that Israelis kill Palestinians to harvest their organs—then yes, that is anti-Semitic. Far too often, anti-Zionism serves as a cloak for anti-Semitism.
Let me be clear: valid criticism of Israel and the Jewish people is acceptable and is not anti-Semitic. However, spreading lies about the Jewish people or demonizing Israel as a whole is indeed anti-Semitic.
There is an interesting verse in the book of Zechariah—Zechariah 2:12—which states:
“The Lord will inherit Judah as His portion in the Holy Land and will again choose Jerusalem.”
In the same context, God declares:
“Whoever touches Israel touches the apple of My eye.”
What is the point I am making? God dispersed the Jewish people into exile due to their sins—rejecting the Torah, rejecting the prophets, and rejecting the Messiah. As a Jew, I acknowledge that my people have been scattered throughout the world, often under divine judgment, facing hatred from men, and even targeted for annihilation by Satan. Yet, despite all this, God still has His hand on the Jewish people.
Even when Israel was in sin and rebellion, God said, “Whoever touches them touches the apple of My eye.” This is similar to how a parent disciplines a child for wrongdoing but still loves that child unconditionally.
Fair and valid criticism of Jewish people—whether individuals, groups, or the nation of Israel—is always acceptable. However, demonizing the Jewish people, delegitimizing the State of Israel, or denying its right to exist is anti-Semitic. That is why, in many cases, anti-Zionism is indeed anti-Semitism.
