Zionism as a Colonial Project

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Zionism has long been a topic of heated debate. Depending on where you stand, it is either the liberation movement of the Jewish people or a settler-colonial project built on dispossession. But what is often overlooked in this discussion is the language used to define Zionism itself—and the implications of that language on how we resist systems of oppression. One of the most dangerous misconceptions is the framing of Zionism as a movement of "Jewish supremacy" rather than one rooted in colonialism and white supremacy. This framing not only distorts the nature of Zionism but also plays into the hands of its proponents, reinforcing the false idea that criticism of Israel is inherently anti-Semitic.

Zionism: A Colonial Ideology, Not a Religious One

Zionism emerged in the late 19th century in response to European anti-Semitism and nationalism. However, rather than a religious movement, it was, from the outset, a secular political ideology that sought to create an ethno-nationalist state. The early Zionist leaders were clear about their objectives: to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine, a land already inhabited by an indigenous population. The project was explicitly colonial, modeled on European expansionism. Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern political Zionism, openly sought the backing of imperial powers such as Britain, knowing that only colonial sponsorship could make Zionism a reality.

Zionism was not an extension of Judaism but a departure from it. Traditional Jewish thought had long rejected the idea of forcefully establishing a state, interpreting exile as a divine punishment rather than a political problem to be solved through military conquest. Zionism, however, rejected this view in favour of a militarised, expansionist nationalism that aligned itself with the colonial ambitions of European powers.

Zionism and White Supremacy

Zionist leaders not only borrowed from European colonial practices but also actively engaged with white supremacist ideologies. Historically, Zionists and anti-Semites have found common ground in the idea that Jews should leave Europe. This unholy alliance has played out in various ways, from early Zionists negotiating with anti-Semitic governments to facilitate Jewish emigration, to the more recent alliances between Israel and far-right movements in the United States, Hungary, and Brazil.

Within Israel itself, a clear racial hierarchy exists. Ashkenazi (European) Jews occupy the highest rungs of political, economic, and social power, while Mizrahi (Middle Eastern) and Ethiopian Jews face systemic discrimination. Palestinian citizens of Israel, meanwhile, live under an apartheid system, denied the same rights as Jewish citizens. The state’s racial logic is unmistakable—it privileges those who conform to European whiteness while suppressing those who do not.

The Manipulation of Anti-Semitism

A key tactic of Zionist propaganda (often referred to as Hasbara) is to conflate Israel with Judaism itself. By promoting the fallacy that Zionism represents all Jews, Israel has weaponised accusations of anti-Semitism to silence critics of its policies. This cynical strategy exploits the genuine history of Jewish oppression to shield Israel from accountability.

This is not just a matter of political rhetoric; it has real-world consequences. Pro-Palestinian activists, including Jewish anti-Zionists, are routinely accused of anti-Semitism for their opposition to Israeli apartheid. The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which explicitly opposes all forms of racism including anti-Semitism, is regularly smeared as a front for hate. The goal of these attacks is not to combat bigotry but to delegitimise resistance to Israeli colonialism.

Why the Framing of “Jewish Supremacy” is Dangerous

Some critics of Zionism, in an attempt to describe Israel’s ethnonationalism, have used the term "Jewish supremacy" to characterise its ideology. While this may seem like an accurate descriptor, it is both misleading and counterproductive.

Firstly, it plays into the Zionist narrative that Zionism is an inherent part of Judaism rather than a political project. If Zionism is framed as "Jewish supremacy," then opposition to it can be falsely equated with opposition to Jews in general. This artificially divides those who oppose colonialism into two camps: one that includes Zionists and all Jews, and another that includes Palestinians and, by implication, anti-Semites. This framing benefits Zionism by making it harder to criticise Israel without being labelled anti-Semitic.

Secondly, it obscures the real power structures at play. Zionism is not an expression of Jewish identity but an extension of European settler colonialism. By recognising it as a form of white supremacy rather than "Jewish supremacy," we can more effectively build alliances between all those oppressed by racist and imperialist systems—Palestinians, Black and Indigenous communities, and anti-racist Jews alike.

A Call for Clarity and Solidarity

To effectively challenge Zionist colonialism, we must be precise in our language. Framing Zionism as a white supremacist project rather than a Jewish one allows for broader coalitions of resistance. It positions Zionism within the historical framework of settler colonialism, rather than treating it as a unique and insular phenomenon. It also shields the Palestinian liberation movement from unfounded accusations of anti-Semitism, making it clear that opposition to Israeli apartheid is not opposition to Jewish people, but to a system of oppression that harms Jews and non-Jews alike.

Ultimately, the fight against Zionism is part of the larger struggle against all forms of racism and imperialism. Understanding it through this lens not only strengthens the Palestinian cause but also fortifies global movements for justice. Precision in our analysis is not just an intellectual exercise—it is a necessity for effective resistance.

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