Is Zionism Racism?
The question of whether Zionism equates to racism has been a topic of intense debate and
controversy. This stems from the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3379,
passed in 1975, which stated that "Zionism is a form of racism and racial discrimination."
This resolution was later revoked in 1991 by Resolution 46/86. Zionism, the nationalist
movement supporting the establishment and maintenance of a Jewish state in the historic
Land of Israel, emerged in the late 19th century in response to anti-Semitic persecution in
Europe. However, its implementation has led to significant conflicts and controversies,
particularly regarding its impact on the Palestinian people. This essay examines the
argument that Zionism constitutes racism, particularly in the context of South African
support for Palestinian rights and Nelson Mandela's views on Palestinian freedom.
Racism can be defined as the belief that different races possess distinct characteristics,
abilities, or qualities, which can be used to distinguish them as inferior or superior to one
another. This often results in prejudice, discrimination, and antagonism directed against
individuals based on their race or ethnicity. In this context, examining whether Zionism
results in policies and practices that systematically discriminate against Palestinians is
crucial to understanding the accusations of racism.
Zionism began as a movement aimed at creating a safe homeland for Jews who faced
persecution and discrimination in Europe. The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948
was seen by many Jews as a fulfilment of this aspiration. However, this event also led to the
displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, an event known as the Nakba
(catastrophe). During the Nakba, approximately 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly
expelled from their homes, and over 400 villages were destroyed. This mass displacement,
accompanied by violence and atrocities, resulted in a significant refugee crisis that persists
to this day. The Nakba is often cited as evidence of ethnic cleansing and systemic
discrimination against Palestinians, as Israeli policies have continued to marginalise and
oppress the Palestinian population in various ways, including restrictions on movement,
unequal access to resources, and the denial of the right of return for refugees.
Critics argue that the policies and practices of the State of Israel, established under Zionist
principles, lead to the discrimination and oppression of Palestinian people. These arguments
point to several key areas: the construction of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, the
imposition of numerous checkpoints and the construction of the West Bank barrier, the
blockade imposed on Gaza, and various military operations in Gaza and the West Bank.
These actions are seen as prioritising Jewish residents over Palestinian rights, contributing
to a significant power imbalance and ongoing conflict.
South Africa has historically been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause. The South
African government, along with many of its citizens, draws parallels between the apartheid
regime that oppressed non-white South Africans and the situation faced by Palestinians
under Israeli control. Nelson Mandela, a global icon of freedom and human rights,
famously stated, "We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of
the Palestinians." This statement reflects a deep solidarity with the Palestinian struggle for
self-determination and human rights.
The post-apartheid South African government has consistently condemned Israel’s policies
towards Palestinians, often comparing them to apartheid. This comparison is grounded in
the systematic segregation and discrimination that Palestinians face in their own land,
reminiscent of the racial segregation policies enforced in South Africa before 1994.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains one of the most protracted and contentious issues in
modern history. The ongoing war, marked by periodic escalations of violence, has resulted
in significant loss of life and suffering, predominantly among Palestinians. Critics argue
that the state of Israel, under the guise of self-defence, has perpetuated a campaign of
oppression and violence against Palestinians. The military operations in Gaza, the
expansion of settlements in the West Bank, and the daily realities of occupation are seen as
evidence of a systematic effort to undermine Palestinian rights and sovereignty.
The situation in Gaza is particularly dire. The blockade imposed by Israel severely restricts
the movement of people and goods, leading to grave humanitarian conditions. The blockade
is often seen as a form of collective punishment against the Palestinian population. Military
operations in Gaza, which Israel argues are aimed at stopping rocket fire into its territory,
have resulted in significant civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure. These
operations are often criticised for their disproportionate impact on Palestinian civilians.
Israel has used bombs and military-level weaponry in civilian areas of Gaza, leading to
widespread destruction and loss of life. Numerous reports have documented the bombing of
schools, hospitals, and residential areas, which were supposed to be safe zones for
Palestinian civilians. These bombings have killed thousands of families, creating a
humanitarian crisis and drawing international condemnation. The use of such overwhelming
force in densely populated civilian areas has been viewed by many as a deliberate strategy
to break the will of the Palestinian people and force them into submission.
Hamas, the governing body in Gaza, is often described as a terrorist organisation by Israel
and its allies. However, supporters argue that Hamas represents a legitimate resistance
movement against Israeli occupation. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is
complex, with both sides committing acts of violence. However, the asymmetry of power
and the disproportionate impact on Palestinian civilians cannot be ignored.
Many argue that Hamas' actions, while often violent, are a response to the brutal conditions
imposed by Israel. The blockade of Gaza, the frequent military incursions, and the overall
occupation are cited as provocations that justify Hamas' defensive actions. This perspective
suggests that Hamas is defending itself and its people from an occupying force that seeks to
undermine Palestinian sovereignty and rights.
The debate over whether Zionism is equivalent to racism is deeply complex and
emotionally charged. The evidence of systemic discrimination and oppression faced by
Palestinians suggests that the policies implemented under the banner of Zionism have
indeed led to significant human rights violations. South Africa’s strong support for
Palestinian rights and Nelson Mandela's powerful statements highlight the global
recognition of these injustices.
The ongoing conflict, marked by severe humanitarian crises in Gaza and the West Bank,
underscores the urgent need for a just resolution. The argument that Zionism has resulted in
a form of genocide against Palestinians, killing millions and displacing countless others
since 1948, is supported by the continuous suffering and oppression experienced by
Palestinians. Hamas' actions, viewed by some as defensive, further complicate the narrative
but also highlight the desperate situation faced by many Palestinians.
In conclusion, while Zionism began as a movement for Jewish self-determination, its
implementation has led to significant and ongoing human rights abuses against Palestinians.
This reality, combined with the international community's growing recognition of these
injustices, supports the argument that Zionism, in practice, has exhibited racist and
genocidal tendencies. The need for a fair and lasting peace, recognising the rights and
humanity of all people in the region, remains critical.
