False claim: ‘Zionist-Nazi Collaboration’

The unfounded claim that Zionists collaborated with the Nazis, or that Adolf Hitler himself was a Zionist, is a product of Cold War disinformation campaigns. These allegations were strategically deployed by the Soviet bloc to undermine the legitimacy of Zionism, especially as Israel began to forge stronger ties with the United States. This narrative served to demonize Zionism by falsely associating it with one of history’s most heinous regimes, suggesting an ideological compatibility between Zionism and Nazism that simply did not exist.

This propaganda notably intensified during the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a staple of Soviet efforts to discredit Israel and its foundational ideology on the global stage. The baseless accusations of a Zionist-Nazi alliance were aimed at isolating Israel and fostering antisemitic sentiments under the guise of political critique.

Many people cite from books written by Lenni Brenner who stands as a divisive figure within the discourse on alleged Zionist collaboration with the Nazis, with a background that contributes to the complexity of his influence. Brenner, who transitioned from an upbringing in an Orthodox Jewish family to identifying as an atheist and Marxist, has a contentious history, including a 39-month incarceration for drug and alcohol offenses. Such aspects of his personal life have led some to question his reliability, with descriptions of him as ‘certifiably crazy.’

Despite these controversies, Brenner authored books that have found a particular resonance among left-wing audiences, contributing significantly to the spread of antisemitic and anti-Zionist narratives within these circles. His writings, which purport to reveal collaborations between Zionists and Nazis, have been embraced by a spectrum of extremists.

As evidenced by scholarly rebuttals and factual analysis, the narrative of Zionist-Nazi collaboration is a dangerous falsehood, weaponized to sow division and perpetuate antisemitism under the guise of political critique.

For further reading and to understand the origins and implications of these hoaxes, resources include detailed analyses from reputable organizations dedicated to combating antisemitism and historical misrepresentations, such as the Anti-Defamation League and Fathom Journal. These sources provide essential context and debunk the myths surrounding alleged Zionist collaboration with the Nazis, contributing to a more informed and nuanced understanding of this complex historical narrative.