In 1975, the global perception of Zionism changed forever after the United Nations passed a resolution declaring that “Zionism is a form of racism and racial discrimination.”
This declaration carried deep-seated implications that echoed beyond the halls of the U.N. and caused vehement protests and global debates for years to come.
To understand why this proclamation was brought before the U.N. in the first place, it is essential to look at the complex dynamics of the era. The geopolitical stage was fraught with animosity, nation-building, and power struggles — much like it is today.
The geopolitical context of 1975
The Cold War tension between the United States and the USSR was at its peak, and the Arab world, buoyed by economic growth as a result of the oil embargo of 1973-1974, wielded significant influence.
This was further complicated by decolonization in Africa, with newly independent African nations emerging from the shackles of colonialism. Their support for the resolution was not based on a belief in its contents, but rather on solidarity with the Black majority in South Africa.
Many of the newly formed African nations that voted in favor of the resolution cast a different vote when a motion to repeal the resolution was brought before the UN.
Is Zionism racism?
The resolution labeled Zionism as racism without providing any reasoning or depth. It lacked substantiated arguments and failed to define its terms, making the accusation baseless and politically motivated.
Contrary to what the resolution claims, Zionism is not a form of racism. At its core, Zionism embodies a multifaceted ideology that asserts the right of Jews to self-determination in their ancestral homeland. It is a national liberation movement similar to those that have sought to restore the rights and independence of other historically oppressed peoples around the world.
Zionism’s roots extend far beyond the modern political movement initiated by Theodor Herzl in the late 19th century. It dates back thousands of years, starting with the biblical patriarch Abraham, and is deeply intertwined with Jewish history, culture and religious aspirations.
For a deeper understanding of the ancient roots of Zionism and its historical and cultural significance, watch this video:
The longing for a return to Zion, the biblical name for Jerusalem, has been a central theme in Jewish prayers and rituals for millennia.
Moreover, Zionism also represents a cultural revival of the Jewish people, celebrating their rich heritage and contributing to the diversity of global cultures. It is about re-establishing a Jewish presence in a land where they have had a historical and continuous connection for over 3,000 years.
To equate Zionism with racism is to misunderstand its true nature and objectives. It is a misrepresentation that ignores the legitimate aspirations of the Jewish people for self-determination and the restoration of their historical ties to their homeland.
The aftermath of U.N. Resolution 3379
After the U.N. passed Resolution 3379, thousands of people immediately took to the streets of Manhattan outside of the U.N. building to protest against it.
U.S. President Gerald Ford praised these protests, stating “Your gathering here today is a reaffirmation of the American belief in justice and basic human values. I salute you for the depths of your conviction… We strongly deplore the linkage of Zionism and racism.”
Amid this fervor, Chaim Herzog, then-Israel’s ambassador to the U.N., delivered a strong and passionate speech challenging the resolution’s validity.
He reminded the assembly of Zionism’s historical context, rooted in the pursuit of freedom from discrimination and oppression. Herzog even tore the resolution in front of the U.N. body, underscoring his and Israel’s rejection of the baseless accusations.
The repeal of the resolution
The repeal of the resolution in 1991 highlighted its contentious nature. Many Arab countries abstained from the vote to repeal it, while many African countries that had initially supported the resolution reversed their stance and voted against it.
This shift underscored not only the baseless nature of the claims against Zionism but also the significant influence of geopolitics.
Although it was ultimately repealed, Resolution 3379 had negative consequences for Jews all around the world, labeling them as racist for simply believing in the right to return to their ancestral homeland. The resolution turned “Zionism” into an ugly word, one associated with white supremacy and discrimination.
Ultimately, the passage and subsequent repeal of Resolution 3379 show a moment in history where political agendas and biases overshadowed the fundamental principles of justice and fairness, leaving a lasting impact on the discourse surrounding Zionism and the Jewish people.
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