Jewish anti-Zionism and Israel: MEMO in Conversation with Zachary Foster

Middle East Monitor Conversations

The anti-Zionist Jewish movement has led numerous anti-war protests calling for an end to the genocide in Gaza, but what’s the history of Jewish opposition to Zionism?

Israel claims to be working to protect world Jewry, but as it continues its bombing of Gaza and expands its military operation into southern Lebanon, the anti-Zionist Jewish movement continues to declare the state’s actions are ‘not in our name’. But where does Jewish opposition to Zionism stem from? What are its ideological foundations and real life implications of a political ideology that seeks to create a Jewish supremacy in Historic Palestine. Joining us to discuss the root of anti-Zionist Jewish ideology is historian Zachary Foster.

Foster, a Princeton University graduate and active social media commentator, brings his wealth of knowledge to challenge common misconceptions about Zionism. Including debunking simplistic definitions such as those which claim Zionism is a national movement for Jewish self-determination and examining the theological opposition from within Jewish communities. Foster also runs a course called ‘Zionism 101’.

The discussion also looks into the historical relationship between Christian and Jewish Zionism, the changing attitudes among younger generations of Jews towards Israel, and the ongoing debates surrounding Jewish identity and nationalism.