Why It Matters: Since October 7, 2023, pro-Zionist movements have intensified their activities, creating challenges for pro-Palestinian groups and launching media bombardments in their aligned publications.
What They’re Saying:
• Dr. Javad Sharbaf, Head of the West Asia and Africa Group at the Faculty of World Studies, discussed Jewish and non-Jewish organizations supporting Palestine in the U.S. He highlighted the Anti-Defamation League as a pro-Zionist entity that uses events and lobbying with U.S. Congress members to create narratives and accuse supporters of the Palestinian liberation movement of terrorism
• Gholamreza Montazemi, CEO of the Ofoghe Noe (New Horizon) Institute, spoke about the role of Jews in shaping Western culture, stating that Israel controls Western civilization and creates misconceptions about understanding the West. He added that the global system is based on Zionism and that countering this trend should be a national priority.
• Dr. Elham Kadkhodaei, a faculty member at the University of Tehran, examined Israel's public diplomacy, citing official and unofficial Zionist lobbies, active media presence of Israeli officials, creation of scientific spaces, legal-political mechanisms, and organizing various camps for youth as tools of Israel's public diplomacy.
• Vahid Mardaneh, a senior researcher at Neda for Scientific and Political Research Institute, discussed the role of international Zionism, stating that Israel's existence depends on its legitimacy in the world. To gain legitimacy, public opinion, especially in the U.S., must be aligned with Zionism, which is the birthplace of international Zionism. He added that Pew Institute research shows that the American Jewish community is largely not aligned with Israel's approach.
A Deeper Look: The Palestinian resistance movement has always resisted Zionist efforts to undermine Palestinian rights and change global public opinion. This movement uses media and diplomatic activities to amplify Palestinian voices and defend their rights. Supporting the Palestinian resistance movement means supporting human rights and justice, which should be a global priority.
