Why Malcolm X Rejected Accusations of Antisemitism: A Nuanced Legacy

Malcolm X remains one of the most influential and controversial figures in the history of the American civil rights and Black liberation movements. Throughout his life, Malcolm X was a fierce critic of systemic racism, colonialism, and economic exploitation. However, his outspoken critiques often led to accusations that he harbored antisemitic views, particularly because of his denunciations of Zionism and certain Jewish individuals in positions of economic power.

But Malcolm X firmly rejected these accusations. In this blog post, we explore why Malcolm X denied being antisemitic and what his critiques truly represented.

Understanding the Distinction: Critique of Zionism vs. Antisemitism

One of the core reasons Malcolm X rejected accusations of antisemitism was his clear differentiation between:

  • Criticism of Zionism — the political movement supporting the establishment and expansion of the state of Israel 🇮🇱, and

  • Antisemitism — hostility, prejudice, or discrimination against Jewish people as an ethnic or religious group.

Malcolm X viewed Zionism through an anti-colonial lens, describing it as a European settler-colonial movement that displaced Palestinian Arabs 🇵🇸. In a 1964 article published in the Egyptian Gazette titled “Zionist Logic,” he wrote:

“The Zionist argument to justify Israel’s present occupation of Arab Palestine has no intelligent or legal basis in history... The modern Zionist movement has convinced many American Negroes that the Zionist Jews are friendly to the black struggle—but they are not.”

He explicitly argued that his opposition was political, not ethnic or religious. Malcolm X’s critique was rooted in solidarity with oppressed Palestinians and a broader anti-imperialist worldview.

Critique of White Jewish Elites vs. Jewish People as a Whole

Malcolm X’s speeches and writings occasionally addressed the role of some white Jewish landlords, business owners, and media figures in urban Black communities, especially in New York City 🇺🇸. He criticized them as part of a broader system of economic exploitation and racial hierarchy.

However, Malcolm X was careful to clarify that his critiques targeted class and power structures, not Jewish people as a whole. He stated emphatically:

“I’m not against Jews. I’m against exploiters.”

This distinction is vital because it highlights Malcolm X’s focus on systemic injustice rather than promoting ethnic hatred. He believed that some accusations of antisemitism were used as a political tool to silence Black activists who were challenging the status quo.

Religious Respect and the Shift After Mecca

Malcolm X’s views evolved significantly after his pilgrimage to Mecca 🇸🇦 in 1964, where he embraced Sunni Islam. This spiritual transformation broadened his perspective, leading him to reject racial hatred and embrace a more inclusive approach to humanity.

He witnessed Muslims of all races and ethnicities worshipping together, which reinforced his conviction that his struggle was against injustice and oppression, not against any particular religious or ethnic group.

His post-Mecca speeches reflect this evolution, as he distanced himself from sectarian rhetoric and embraced universal human rights and solidarity.

Political Weaponization of the Antisemitism Label

Throughout his career in the United States 🇺🇸, Malcolm X recognized how powerful interests used labels like “antisemitic” or “radical” to delegitimize Black leaders and movements. He saw these accusations as part of a broader strategy to:

  • Discredit and silence voices of resistance,

  • Create divisions among marginalized groups,

  • Protect economic and political elites from scrutiny.

In Malcolm’s own words:

“The press is used to make the victim the villain and the criminal the hero.”

By accusing him of antisemitism, those opposed to his message sought to undermine his credibility and diminish the urgency of his critiques of economic injustice.

Legacy and Contemporary Reflections

Today, scholars and activists continue to debate Malcolm X’s relationship to antisemitism. Many argue that his critiques were legitimate political commentary on colonialism and racial capitalism and should not be conflated with hatred toward Jewish people.

Jewish allies and civil rights historians stress the importance of nuanced discussions that distinguish:

  • Opposition to Israeli government policies or Zionism, and

  • Bigotry against Jewish people.

This conversation remains highly relevant as contemporary political discourse often oversimplifies or weaponizes these terms.

Malcolm X Stood Against All Forms of Oppression

Malcolm X rejected accusations of antisemitism because his activism was centered on fighting racial and economic oppression, not targeting an ethnic or religious group.

His criticisms focused on:

  • The political ideology of Zionism 🇮🇱,

  • Exploitative economic structures in U.S. cities 🇺🇸,

  • And solidarity with all oppressed peoples, including Palestinians 🇵🇸.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for honest, informed discussions about race, religion, and politics — especially today, when mislabeling can stifle important conversations about justice and equality.

Previous
Previous

Why Black Americans Hesitate to Support Latinos who Voted for Trump

Next
Next

Why MAGA Struggles with Admitting Fake News: A Deep Dive into Political Psychology, Echo Chambers, and Non-Accountability