Extremist Media Amplifies Antisemitic Conspiracy Under Guise of Anti-Zionism
Executive Summary
An extremist website recently published a lengthy article propagating antisemitic conspiracy theories under the framework of anti-Zionist rhetoric, drawing from historical sources and discredited narratives like the Protocols of the Elders of Zion. This publication coincides with a documented surge in global antisemitic incidents, particularly where anti-Israel sentiment is weaponized to vilify Jews broadly. The piece reflects a broader trend of fringe ideologies exploiting geopolitical tensions to normalize hatred and incite violence against Jewish communities.
Analysis
On June 17, 2025, Abolition Media published an article titled “Zionism: Inherently Racist, Violent, and Expansionist,” which frames Zionism not as a political ideology but as a global threat, drawing heavily from historical figures like Fayez Sayegh and Ghassan Kanafani. The article accuses Zionism of being “congenitally racist” and “addicted to violence,” asserting that the existence of Israel is synonymous with imperial aggression and settler colonialism. By invoking Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Syria, it attempts to legitimize its claims while advocating for the “military defeat and dismantlement” of the Israeli state.
The article not only rehashes old antisemitic tropes—such as the alleged global domination plans of Jews—but also contextualizes them using violent historical analogies and ideological justification. It explicitly references incidents like Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon and recent attacks in Gaza, conflating them with the broader Jewish identity. This form of ideological warfare intentionally blurs the lines between criticism of Israeli policies and outright antisemitism, enabling its spread across more mainstream activist platforms.
The use of Sayegh’s 1965 work, Zionist Colonialism in Palestine, as a moral compass illustrates a worrying normalization of these views. Though Sayegh’s rhetoric is cloaked in academic language, its core assertions mirror those found in the Protocols of the Elders of Zion—a fraudulent and discredited document that continues to serve as a foundational text for antisemitic conspiracies. The Protocols falsely claim that Jewish leaders conspire to control global events, a theme that resurfaces throughout the Abolition Media article.
Contemporary responses, such as Kathleen Hayes’ critique in Fathom Journal, underscore the dangers of conflating anti-Zionism with antisemitism. Hayes, a former anti-Zionist herself, exposes how ideologically-driven narratives often lead to dehumanization and physical violence against Jews, particularly when Zionism is used as a stand-in for Jewish identity.
This trend has tangible consequences. According to the ADL’s 2024 audit, the U.S. recorded 9,354 antisemitic incidents—a record high. Notably, 58% of these incidents were Israel-related, often emerging in proximity to anti-Israel rallies. On college campuses, these expressions have become especially hostile, with chants like “Death to Israel” and vandalism targeting Jewish symbols, mirroring themes from the Abolition Media publication.
Artistic interventions like Dasha Bough’s animated documentary, The Conspiracy, seek to combat such myths by tracing the origins and impact of the Protocols and similar fabrications. Yet, the persistence of these lies—now dressed in modern political language—demonstrates their enduring appeal and destructive potential.
