Anti-Zionist Speech: the Contemporary Version off Anti-Semitic Hate Speech

Abstract

This work explores the complexity of anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism through a multidimensional analysis, focusing on its historical and contemporary manifestation. Using a methodology based on bibliographical research, the study presents the concepts of anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism, differentiating them from legitimate criticism of the State of Israel. The work reveals that anti-Semitism transcends specific periods and contexts. On the other hand, anti-Zionism has gained prominence more recently, but has several ideological matrices and uses different means of action. The results indicate that not all anti-Zionism is discriminatory, but the concept that propagates hatred towards Jews and/or supporters of Israel is prejudiced and is a revamped version of anti-Semitism. It is concluded, then, that anti-Zionism as an anti-Semitic hate speech and practice must be combated and considered a crime, like other anti-Semitic practices. To this end, the criminal provisions of the Racism Law (Law nº 7,716/1989) must be applied, in accordance with the interpretation given by the Federal Supreme Court in the precedent published in HC 82424/RS (the well-known case Werner Ellwanger).