Jewish Anti-Zionism in 2026

I spent almost 40 years at AIPAC following the views and actions of Israel’s Detractors in the United States – which of course included various anti-Zionists of all religions. In recent years, in the United States, Jewish anti-Zionism has increased not least in part due to organized efforts Israel’s “detractors.” Of course, prior to the founding of Israel, Jewish anti-Zionism was a major issue of dispute among Jews. But once Israel was founded; it became far more of a peripheral point of view for most American Jews. These days, there are attacks on American Jewish organizations – not least Hillel – for promoting and fostering Zionism. (I say “Kol hakovod” to those Jewish organizations!)

I consistently preach about the need to avoid engaging in ad-hominems or personal attacks on people or groups with whom one disagrees (although I acknowledge, that in the heat of the moment, I may occasionally fall a little short in practicing what I preach!) I especially reject using such emotive terms as “Kappo” or “Self-hating Jews” – especially when it’s used to target people who may not even be “anti-Israel” but are simply less-supportive of Israel than the commentator may wish.

Everyone obviously has to act according to their own beliefs and conscience; but I have to confess that I am deeply-disappointed in anti-Zionist Jews – especially those “professional” anti-Zionist Jews who make it their central goal to seek to tear down Israel and bring to an end the Jewish State with its approaching 8 million Jews – comprising half the Jews of the entire World.  But of course raging against Anti-Zionism is perhaps somewhat futile and I’m sure about the efficacy of seeking to “discourage” or to “delegitimize” it within the Jewish community. (I’m putting to one side, the far-broader topic, of non-Jewish, anti-Zionists and what might motivate them.)

I obviously wish that every Jew in the World was an ardent Zionist and supporter of Israel – which of course would not preclude criticism – even strong criticism – of Israel. But I of course realize that this is not the case –  sadly, increasingly so.

I am disappointed that there are a considerable number of Jews in the World -especially younger Jews, who don’t view themselves as pro-Israel; “turned off” in part by the “Campaign Against Israel;” by media coverage and depiction of Israel – and in part by Israeli actions themselves.  Or they’re simply not very-interested in Israel. Not so much “Anti-Israel” but they view the issue and country as something not of interest or relevance to them. Or something with which they don’t want to be associated. Again disappointing and hopefully something that can be changed by “realities” including the “revival” of widespread antisemitism and by better education.

I somewhat understand – even if I completely disagree with – those American Jews who feel the United States should not be providing Israel with money, arms, or Diplomatic support. (Of course joining with a considerable number of non-Jewish Americans who also and increasingly feel that way, for a variety of reasons.)

And then we come to the Jewish Anti-Zionists who make it their business to seek to denigrate and demonize Zionism and ultimately dismantle and destroy the State of Israel, with differing “solutions” to the “Zionist problem.” At least some of them align themselves with professional haters of Israel at a variety of organizations with whom I presume we’re all familiar.

I’m not going to dispute the sincerity of their belief in anti-Zionism. But I guess the question worthy of further study is “Why?”

I’m not here to defend every action taken by Israel or by Israelis or even by Zionists in other countries supporting or defending Israel.  
Of course over the decades, things have occurred which one can be criticized or condemned. 

But one can say that about almost any  country’s actions or history. Including of course
Israel’s neighbors and adversaries. But for some reason these other countries don’t attract the same attention or denunciation of the Anti-Zionist Jews. When Israel is equated to Nazi Germany and its actions to the “Final Solution” with Israel’s Prime Minister to Adolf Hitler. And among those at the forefront of the accusations are the self proclaimed “As A Jew” haters of Israel…

I’m  not going to debate the history of Zionism or of Israel and I don’t spend much of my time defending the actions of Israel – or the actions of supporters of Israel! To me the bottom line is that Israel exists – and of course, should continue to exist.  The rest is just noise. So I’m not much-interested in the intellectual arguments against the foundation of Israel – or against its continued existence. (But I certainly appreciate those who are prepared to get into the intellectual arena with Anti-Zionists such as Andrew Pessin, Founding Director of the Institute for the Critical Study of Antizionism .)

But I do of course wonder “Why?” I’m not going to attempt to engage in pop psychology and delve into the psyche of what motivates Anti-Zionist Jews to believe as they do and take the actions they do. 

 But it’s interesting why anti-Zionist Jews with so many issues and problems in the World, seem to believe Israel is so worthy of their hatred and their efforts against? And what makes them so-willing to align with rabid haters across the globe.

Obviously a not-insignificant number of anti-Zionists are former Zionists – who have become disillusioned with Israel. But for  those others Anti-Zionist Jews: Does it make them feel more virtuous? 
Does it bring them attention, fame and riches?
 Does it fit into their broader World view? 
Are they reacting to some bad experience they had visiting Israel or in their Jewish or Hebrew Studies? Do they believe they’ll fit better into – and be more accepted in American Society – and safer from being the target of Antisemitism. if they’re not accused of dual loyalty. (Of course haters of Jews will always find a reason to hate Jews.) So many possibilities.

It’s sadly a topic that’s not going to go away. So, to be continued…