Anti-Zionism refers to the opposition to Zionism, the belief that the Jewish people are entitled to self-determination in their own nation-state, specifically the Jewish State of Israel. Criticism of the Israeli government and its policies can be legitimate, and there are anti-Zionist segments of the Jewish community that oppose the establishment of a Jewish nation-state without divine intervention. However, anti-Zionism can become antisemitic when Israel is held to double standards that are not applied to any other nation. Anti-Zionism also becomes antisemitism when the Jewish people as a whole are held accountable for the actions or policies of the Israeli government, typically resulting in discrimination, harassment, or violence against individual Jews.
The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, the most widely accepted definition, provides the following examples of how anti-Zionism could, taking into account the overall context, be antisemitic:
- Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.
- Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.
- Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.
- Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
- Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.