ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with two different if closely linked phenomena when we deal with antisemitism and anti-Zionism, but also with two other phenomena, anti-Israelism and anti-Israeli-govemmentism. It explores a hypothesis: that the special situation of the state of Israel and the policies of its government arouse a hostility that is widespread, that finds some support in antisemitism, but that are perhaps now themselves a main support of antisemitism. The Jews of Eastern Europe were hated before they became Zionists. Indeed, that is why they became Zionists. Anti-Zionism in Eastern Europe, or more specifically in the Soviet Union, is rather the ideology of the government, with which it tries to court popularity with Arab, Muslim, and other third world states, and with its own people. There are differences between the antisemitic people and anti-Zionist government: Russian antisemites would prefer to see the Jews leave rather than—as the government does—keep them in Russia.
