Why We Must Confront Conspiracy Theories
I was passing an anti-Israel demonstration by a mix of student groups from universities in downtown New York when I noticed a placard with these words on it: “The Epstein class wants this war.” Fictional connections like these between Jeffrey Epstein and the Israeli State have unfortunately become a popular anti-Jewish conspiracy theory across the political spectrum and are worth addressing.
This theory is dangerous as it can be used to justify violence against Jews. A Democratic candidate in Texas advocated for turning ICE facilities into prisons for American Zionists and castration camps for pedophiles who, according to her, are “most of the Zionists”. This campaign promise is motivated by her belief that the “Epstein network” was being used by Israel to “occupy America.” Thus, combating conspiracy theories isn’t only a fight for truth, but for the safety of American Jews.
To fight this, Jews have commonly dismissed this sort of nonsense as antisemitism or demanded that mainstream media refrain from platforming such views, but that strategy appears to be ineffective. Antisemites rarely change their beliefs when they are shamed, and censorship allows them to claim social currency as free-speech martyrs.
While responding to every outrageous claim is not always practical or productive, popular conspiracy theories should still be addressed for the public record.
The conspiracy asserts that Jeffrey Epstein was running a sex-trafficking blackmail ring for the Mossad/Israeli Prime Minister/President. Sometimes these libels include accusations of cannibalism, human sacrifice, and devil worship; all of which are common tropes in the history of antisemitism.
Conspiracy theorists manipulate their audiences by using pieces of true information to reach unsupported conclusions and by overrelying on poor sources and lies.
To start, there is no evidence of a mass blackmail operation for Mossad or Israel.
Not a single credible victim or witness has alleged the existence of a Mossad blackmail operation. According to attorney Bradley Edwards, who represented many of Epstein’s victims, “Nearly all of the exploitation and abuse of all of the women was intended to benefit only Jeffrey Epstein.”
Many conspiracy theorists cite a claim that Alexander Acosta was pressured to give Epstein a plea deal because he worked for intelligence. The claim originated from an anonymous source quoted in a Daily Beast article and has never been substantiated. Acosta has repeatedly denied any knowledge of intelligence ties.
Another fact that conspiracy theorists like to exploit is that Epstein had some connections with Jewish figures. When reviewed, it’s clear that these connections are overblown and don’t provide any real evidence that they were involved in his crimes. Similarly, while the Epstein files mention Israel, they are mostly from news reports or emails. It’s important to note that Israel appears less than Russia, China, Canada, and France.
On the other hand, one of his emails includes Epstein rejecting an invitation to Israel, writing, “I do not like Israel. AT ALL.”
Some of the more “compelling” data points from the Epstein Files include correspondence with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Epstein told the former PM to clarify that he didn’t work for Mossad. Barak asked if Epstein had contacted Mossad through an acquaintance. Epstein replied, asking Barak if he was using ex-Mossad agents to run investigations, clearly showing he had no knowledge of any Mossad operation. None of this demonstrates Epstein’s involvement with Mossad.
It’s more likely that Epstein and Barak’s relationship was confined to business, not conspiracy. Barak met with Epstein after retiring from politics to get investment for an Israeli startup. In a long call, the two discussed Israel’s Immigration policy and the peace process with the Palestinians, with no references to intelligence work. Conspiracy theorists tend to omit the fact that Barak has called Epstein’s actions “abhorrent” and cut ties with him when the extent of his crimes became known. So far, there have been no other indications of a conspiracy with the former prime minister on behalf of Mossad.
Another popular conspiracy theory is that Ghislaine Maxwell’s father, Robert Maxwell, was a Mossad spy. While he has long been accused of intelligence ties, allegations connecting him to MI6, the KGB, or Mossad remain disputed and do not constitute evidence that Epstein worked for Israeli intelligence.
It should go without saying that conspiracy theories like these are especially corrosive in university discourse on Israel because they replace evidence-based debates with suspicion, speculation, and guilt by association. Any pro-Israel argument can be met with accusations of Israel’s hidden control or malice, regardless of how true it is. Proper debate cannot occur without standards for truth, evidence, and reasoning.
Additionally, anti-Zionists get the illusion of moral high ground, claiming that they are the side against the conspiracies of elite pedophiles. It’s basically mindless fodder used by anyone interested in delegitimizing American support for Israel.
We need to stand up to hate with careful research and the tools to expose fallacies. While it may not convince an antisemite overnight, it may stop the uninitiated from becoming antisemitic or plant the seeds for someone to change their beliefs.