Feeling overwhelmed with information? We’re here to help cut through the noise. Learn the most common questions about Israel — along with the accurate information to address them through dialogue and discussion:
Does opposing Israeli government policies automatically make someone anti-Zionist or antisemitic?
Opposing Israeli government policies does not automatically make someone anti-Zionist or antisemitic. Like any country, Israel’s government can be subject to criticism, and individuals can disagree with its policies for a variety of reasons—without attacking the legitimacy of the state or the Jewish people (which does veer into anti-Zionism and antisemitism).
Peaceful opposition to government policy is a core aspect of the Israeli democracy. In the spring and summer of 2023, hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets in weekly peaceful protests with regard to aspects of government policy, exercising their rights to free speech. The same occurred in September of 2024, with Israelis protesting on behalf of the hostages held by Hamas, demanding that the Israeli government reach an agreement to bring them home.
However, it is important to distinguish between legitimate criticism of the Israeli government, and harmful rhetoric that promotes anti-Zionism or antisemitism.