Difference between Judaism and Zionism; Unmasking Zionism’s Ideology and Influence
While some individuals perceive Judaism and Zionism as intertwined, a closer look reveals that they hold distinct beliefs, values, and purposes. Judaism, as a faith and way of life, has guided the Jewish people for millennia, advocating spiritual, ethical, and moral principles centered around the teachings of the Torah. Zionism, on the other hand, is a comparatively recent political ideology, rooted in Jewish nationalism and focused on establishing a Jewish homeland. This article seeks to differentiate between these two concepts, delving into their origins and principles.
As two tools promoting the interests of the Zionist regime, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) are two of the most prominent organizations influencing U.S.-Israel relations and public perception of Israel. While AIPAC is known for its lobbying efforts in the U.S. policy, the ADL’s work spans from combating anti-Zionism to influencing public discourse on Israel. Both organizations are also involved in lesser-known activities, such as strictly monitoring and often suppressing critics of Zionism, including figures like Noam Chomsky, and attempting to influence educational resources and encyclopedia entries.
Judaism and Zionism: Their Origins
The distinction between Judaism and Zionism is a topic of significant importance, often clouded by misperceptions of their interchangeable meanings. While many individuals view Judaism and Zionism as synonymous, a closer examination of their histories reveals that Zionism is not Judaism. This discussion aims to delve into the fundamental differences between Judaism and Zionism. However, before examining the practical differences between Judaism and Zionism, let us explore the historical roots of these two ideologies.
Judaism, a monotheistic Abrahamic religion with origins exceeding four thousand years, is grounded in the teachings of the Torah, the central text of the Jewish people. Jews are the followers of Prophet Moses (PBUH). The teachings of Prophet Moses, revealed by God, hold immense value. The Quran, in fact, mentions him more than any other prophet and narrates his story in detail [1].
However, Zionism is a political ideology focused on Jewish nationalism and statehood. Modern Zionism’s beginnings trace back to the eighteenth century during the Jewish enlightenment movement. The ideas gained traction following violent anti-Jewish attacks in Russia in 1881, leading to a political movement by “The Lovers of Zion.” They sent eager young Jews to establish the first new colonies in Palestine in 1882. This initial phase culminated with the contributions of Theodor Herzl in the history of Zionism [2].
Difference between Judaism and Zionism
Having clarified the roots of Judaism and Zionism, the next step is to explore their practical differences as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.
Judaism and Zionism through the Lens of Peace vs. Violence
First, according to the verses from the Torah, people shall seek peace and do good, avoiding war and bloodshed. Jews need to treat everyone well and be kind to non-Jews:
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry” [3].
“He who spills the blood of a human, by means of a human shall his blood be spilled, for in the image of God, did He make humans” [4].
“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God” [5].
“Hillel used to say: ‘Be of the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace, loving mankind and drawing them close to the Torah’” [6].
On the other hand, the Zionist idea that Jews and non-Jews cannot coexist contradicts these verses. Since the establishment of Israel, Zionists have committed heinous crimes against Palestinians. In a scathing report, Amnesty International has accused Israeli authorities of committing apartheid against Palestinians. The investigation details how Israel imposes a system of oppression and domination over Palestinians, regardless of their location, whether residing within Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, or as displaced refugees abroad. This systematic oppression, according to Amnesty, constitutes the crime of apartheid [7].
A Tale of Contrasting Legacies: Prophet Moses and Zionism
Moreover, Prophet Moses, a shepherd who rose to challenge the mighty Pharaoh, embodies unwavering determination and reliance on divine power. He revolted against the Pharaoh’s tyranny, prioritizing the needs of the oppressed over the arrogance of the powerful. This rebellion against oppression, fueled by faith and compassion, became a defining characteristic of Moses’s life and mission. This stands in stark contrast to the Zionist agenda. Zionists have allied themselves with arrogant powers, becoming their agents and servants, betraying the interests of the oppressed. This approach is a direct contradiction to the teachings of Prophet Moses, who rallied the common people against the tyranny of Pharaoh [8].
Pre or Post-Messiah Perspectives
According to Jewish religious texts, the Children of Israel must return to the Holy Land after the coming of the Messiah. Below are several verses that express this concept:
“In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the Mediterranean. He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth” [9].
“’The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will bring my people Israel and Judah back from captivity and restore them to the land I gave their ancestors to possess,’ says the Lord” [10].
“and say to them, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them back into their own land’” [11].
“Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Behold, I will save my people from the east country and from the west country, and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness’” [12].
For this reason, At the beginning of Zionism in Europe, many orthodox rabbis forbade followers from engaging with Zionism, believing it went against God’s plan to keep Jews in exile until the Messiah’s arrival. They opposed the idea of actively ending exile, instead advocating for divine guidance and traditional practices. While visits to Palestine were allowed for pilgrimage, they did not signify support for mass migration [13]. However, some prominent rabbis like al-Qalay, Gutmacher, and Qalisher supported Zionism, laying the foundation for religious Zionism. Their endorsement led to movements like Gush Emunim, promoting Jewish settlement in the West Bank and Gaza post-1967, viewing it as a religious duty for the full redemption of the Jewish people and the coming of the Messiah [14].
Equality vs. Inequality: A Comparative Look
According to the teachings of the Torah, all Jews must be treated equally, regardless of their race, color, or background. As it reads:
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” [15].
“Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly” [16].
“Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly” [17].
“For the LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed” [18].
“Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism” [19].
“But as for the highly esteemed–whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism–those leaders added nothing to me” [20].
“And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him” [21].
Nevertheless, Zionists have never treated all Jews equally. From the early days of the establishment of the Zionist regime, its leaders have discriminated between white Ashkenazi Jews (Jews from central or eastern Europe) and Sephardim (Jews settled in Amsterdam, North Africa, and the Middle East). The Zionist narrative of the “ingathering from the four corners of the earth” [22] did not align with the reality of the situation.
Since the establishment of the Zionist regime, Sephardim, particularly Yemenites, were seen as a cheap labor source to be recruited to Palestine [23]. In contrast to the “creative” and “idealistic” Ashkenazi workers [24], Sephardim were misled about conditions in Palestine, leading over 10,000 to immigrate before World War I. They ended up in harsh agricultural labor under poor conditions, often living in overcrowded and unsanitary environments, which resulted in widespread disease and infant mortality. Reports of abuse by Ashkenazi landowners and overseers highlighted the exploitation they faced [25]. This treatment was justified by a prevailing European sense of superiority, viewing Sephardim as culturally inferior and denying them the socialist benefits given to European workers [26]. Similarly, Ethiopian Jews in Israel experience systemic anti-Blackness, including police brutality, prompting protests against their mistreatment [27].
Fig. 1. Characteristics of the Jewish Faith
Fig. 2. Characteristics of Zionism
The Untold Story about AIPAC: History and Power Dynamics
AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) is a powerful lobbying group in the United States that actively promotes pro-Israel policies to the government. While one of many such organizations, it is considered among the most influential.
History
AIPAC was established in 1954 by Isaiah L. Kenen, a lobbyist for the Israeli government [28], partly to address the adverse global responses to Israel’s Qibya massacre of Palestinian villagers in that same year [29]. Now, AIPAC is recognized as one of the most influential pro-Israel lobbying organizations in the country [30].
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or better say, the Israel lobby in the United States, emerged not from the needs and aspirations of Americans, but in response to violence and conflict occurring far from U.S. borders. This lobby was shaped in various locations—not only in Washington, DC, and New York, but also in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the Jordanian-occupied West Bank of Palestine [31].
The core of the Lobby consists of American Jews who actively work in their daily lives to influence U.S. foreign policy in ways that benefit Israel. Their efforts extend beyond simply voting for pro-Israel candidates; they also engage in letter-writing, making financial contributions, and supporting pro-Israel organizations. However, not all Jewish Americans are involved in the Lobby, as Israel is not a significant issue for many of them. For instance, a 2004 survey found that about thirty-six percent of Jewish Americans reported being either “not very” or “not at all” emotionally connected to Israel [32].
AIPAC and US-Israel Relations
The primary focus of American foreign policy should be the national interests of the United States. However, for several decades, particularly since the Six-Day War in 1967, the central element of U.S. policy in the Middle East has been its relationship with Israel. The primary influence on U.S. policy in the region stems largely from domestic politics, particularly the actions of the “Israel Lobby,” all while persuading the public that U.S. and Israeli interests are fundamentally the same [33].
No other lobby possesses the wealth, media influence, and legislative power of AIPAC. The unparalleled ability of AIPAC to mobilize elites cannot be overlooked. The annual AIPAC conference, held every April, attracts all the key leaders of Congress, core cabinet members, and more than half of the congressional members, demonstrating unwavering support for Israel [34].
Strategies for Securing US Support for Israel
The Lobby employs two main strategies to encourage U.S. backing for Israel. Firstly, it exerts considerable influence in Washington, pressuring both Congress and the Executive branch to consistently support Israel [35]. Secondly, AIPAC actively shapes public opinion on Israel by promoting a specific narrative. This includes perpetuating myths about Israel’s origins and pushing Israel’s viewpoint in current policy discussions. This strategy aims to suppress critical perspectives and ensure that U.S. support for Israel remains unquestioned. The fear is that an open and critical discussion of US-Israeli relations might lead Americans to advocate for a different approach [36].
Anti-Defamation League
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is an advocacy organization founded in Chicago in 1913 to combat anti-Semitism and other types of bigotry and discrimination. Its work is defined as evaluating hate crimes and anti-Semitism across different countries, aiding law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of extremists, offering anti-bias and diversity training, and publishing educational materials on the Holocaust. The ADL is headquartered in New York City and maintains approximately thirty regional offices throughout the United States, as well as an office in Israel [37].
Beyond Anti-Semitism: The ADL’s Evolving Role
Nevertheless, its operational initiatives have strayed from the outlined objectives in its mandate. The ADL is engaging in endeavors unrelated to Judaism or safeguarding Jewish interests. The following section will delve into some of its interventions.
Shattering the Judeo-Christian Legacy
Since 1948, the ADL has dedicated a significant portion of its legal efforts to supporting actions that can be described as undermining religious beliefs. The ADL has submitted numerous amicus curiae briefs in legal cases often decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, resulting in the prohibition of school prayer, religious instruction during school hours, Christmas carols, and religious holidays in schools, as well as the exclusion of the Bible from the classroom. This has led to governments adopting a stance of neutrality on religious matters, prohibiting any display of Christian art, prayers in courtrooms, and religious oaths for officials [38].
The ADL has targeted the removal of Western Christian traditions from public settings, like schools, while showing acceptance towards the integration of “New Age religion.” Notably, despite criticizing Christianity consistently, the ADL has defended practices such as witchcraft and the use of peyote using First Amendment arguments [39]. Collaborating with influential allies, including the highest court, since Justice Hugo Black’s “wall of separation” declaration in the 1947 Everson case, the ADL has remained steadfast in advocating for the strict division between religion and government [40].
ADL and AIPAC’s Covert Operations
Narco-dollars significantly enhance the ADL’s influence in the U.S. Congress. Both the ADL and AIPAC maintain secret spy units that collect blackmail material and employ unethical tactics against political opponents. Gregory Slabodkin, a former AIPAC employee, exposed the organization’s “Plumbers Unit,” which targets activists, including Jews, using surveillance and threats to suppress dissent. His disclosures revealed AIPAC’s covert activities, including distributing blackmail dossiers [41]. Additionally, AIPAC’s Policy Analysis unit is closely linked to the ADL’s Fact Finding department, engaging in similar practices. Under Thomas Dine’s leadership, AIPAC appointed Amy Goott, a former ADL staffer, to integrate operations between the two organizations, further strengthening their covert collaboration [42].
Silencing Dissent
The ADL and AIPAC have been criticized for targeting influential Jewish individuals who oppose their views, revealing a pattern of intimidation rather than defending Jewish interests [43]. Dissenters such as Norman Finkelstein, Tony Judt, Jimmy Carter, and others have faced smear campaigns and other aggressive tactics. Moreover, the ADL has launched efforts against Iran and its media outlet, Press TV, falsely accusing it of terrorism and attempting to censor programs like Palestine Declassified, which critique Israeli policies. While these efforts have largely failed, they illustrate the organizations’ willingness to manipulate narratives to silence criticism of Zionism and Israeli actions [44].
Revelations about the ADL indicate that the organization engaged in surveillance of Noam Chomsky, a prominent intellectual known for his critical views on Israel and U.S. foreign policy. These secret files, uncovered by investigative efforts, show that the ADL monitored Chomsky’s activities and statements, particularly his criticisms of Israel and U.S. foreign policy. Such surveillance raises important questions about academic freedom and political discourse [45].
Controlling the Narrative
The ADL uses financial, political, and media pressure to influence academic and scientific resources, pushing them to promote pro-Israel narratives under the guise of “scientific” claims. This includes altering encyclopedia entries to favor Israel and the Holocaust [46]. One example is their attempt to edit Wikipedia entries using pseudonyms, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. While the ADL claimed to follow guidelines, critics questioned the appropriateness of their edits, particularly those promoting their own organization [47].
Conclusion
In examining the distinctions between Judaism and Zionism, it becomes evident that they represent separate aspects of Jewish identity. Judaism is fundamentally a religion that has shaped the lives, beliefs, and values of Jewish people worldwide. Zionism, however, is a modern political movement that is based upon oppression, apartheid, and white supremacy. By understanding these differences, one can better understand the roles that Judaism and Zionism play in the broad global context. Moreover, AIPAC and the ADL showcase a complex dynamic of advocacy, influence, and suppression. Despite publicly advocating for Jewish interests and U.S.-Israel relations, their covert tactics such as surveillance and smear campaigns against critics, both Jewish and non-Jewish, raise ethical concerns about their true motives and actions, calling for greater transparency and ethical accountability to ensure that advocacy remains aligned with genuine public interest and respect for democratic discourse.
Zionism seeks to dismantle all divine civilizations, not limited to just Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It has targeted the core beliefs and values of all human civilizations, aiming to disrupt the established order and sow chaos in societies guided by spiritual principles. Through deceptive tactics, Zionism promotes its own destructive ideals while silencing dissenting voices and controlling the narrative to advance its malevolent agenda. By undermining the foundations of traditional faiths and values, it poses a significant threat to the sanctity of divine guidance and seeks to reshape the fabric of societies worldwide, eroding the moral compass that has long guided humanity.
References
[1]. Imam Khomeini, Sahifeye-Imam. Tehran: The Institute for Compilation and Publication of Imam Khomeini’s Works (International Affairs Department), 2008, vol. 7, p. 270.
[2]. Pappe, Ilan. Ten myths about Israel. Verso Books, 2024, Chapter 3.
[3]. Psalm 34:14-15
[4]. Genesis 9:6
[5]. Leviticus 19: 33-34
[6]. Mishnah (Pirkei Avot 1:12)
[7]. Amnesty International. “Israel’s apartheid against Palestinians: Cruel system of domination and crime against humanity.” Third World Resurgence 350 (2022): 40-43.
[8]. Imam Khomeini, Sahifeye-Imam. Tehran, 2008, The Institute for Compilation and Publication of Imam Khomeini’s Works (International Affairs Department), vol. 7, 270.
[9]. Isiah 11: 11-12
[10]. Jeremiah 30:3
[11]. Ezekiel 37:21
[12]. Zechariah 8:7-8
[13]. Kedourie, Elie. Nationalism. Oxford, 1993, 70.
[14]. Avineri, Shlomo. The Making of Modern Zionism: The Intellectual Origins of the Jewish State. Basic Books, 1981, 187–209.
[15]. Genesis 1:27
[16]. Leviticus 19:15
[17]. John 7:24
[18]. Deuteronomy 10:17
[19]. Acts 10:34
[20]. Galatians 2:6
[21]. Ephesians 6:9
[22]. Isaiah 11:12
[23]. Shohat, Ella. “Sephardim in Israel: Zionism from the standpoint of its Jewish victims.” Cultural Politics 11 (1997): 13.
[24]. Zerubavel, Yaakov. Alei-Khaim. Tel Aviv: Y.L. Peretz Library Publication (1960): 326-27 (Hebrew).
[25]. Meir, Yosef. Beyond the Desert (Israel: Ministry of Defense), 1973, 19-20 (Hebrew).
[26]. Droyan, Niza. “Not with a Magic Carpet.” Jerusalem: Ben-Tzvi Institute for Research into the Communities of Israel in the East (1982): 134-148.
[27]. “Understanding Life for Black Israelis.” The Nation, 30 Jan. 2024.
[28]. Nelson, Nancy Jo. “The Zionist Organizational Structure.” Journal of Palestine Studies 10:1 (1980): 80–93.
[29]. Rossinow, Doug. “The Edge of the Abyss: The Origins of the Israel Lobby, 1949–1954.” Modern American History 1.1 (2018): 23-43.
[30]. Hussain, Murtaza. “Meet the Secret Donors Who Fund AIPAC’s Israel Trips for Congress.” The Intercept. (November 18, 2023; Retrieved August 9, 2024).
[31]. Rossinow, Doug. “The Edge of the Abyss: The Origins of the Israel Lobby, 1949–1954.” Modern American History 1.1 (2018): 23.
[32]. Mearsheimer, John J. and Walt, Stephen M., “The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy.” (March 2006). KSG Working Paper No. RWP06-011.
[33]. Ibid, 13
[34]. Petras, James. The Power of Israel in the United States. Clarity Press, Inc., 2006, 170-172.
[35]. Ibid, 15
[36]. Ibid, 15-16
[37]. Golembeski, Cynthia. “Anti-Defamation League | Fighting Hate and Discrimination.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Oct. 2024, www.britannica.com/topic/Anti-Defamation-League
[38]. Executive Intelligence Review. The Ugly Truth about the Anti-Defamation League. Executive Pub, 1992, 104-105.
[39]. Ibid, 105.
[40]. Ibid.
[41]. Ibid, 126-128
[42]. Ibid, 128
[43]. Ibid.
[44]. “Zionist Lobby and ADL Smear Campaign Against Iran: Press TV in Vain.” Press TV, 11 Sept. 2023.
[45]. Winstanley, Asa. “Secret Files Reveal Anti-Defamation League Spied on Noam Chomsky.” Electronic Intifada.
[46]. “Anti-Defamation League or a League for Defamation? Jewish Studies Center, 14 Nov. 2023, jscenter.ir/jews-and-the-media/jews-and-culture/9779.
[47]. ADL May Have Violated Wikipedia Rules — Editing Its Own Entries.” The Forward, 9 Apr. 2021, forward.com/news/467423/adl-may-have-violated-wikipedia-rules-editing-its-own-entries.
