During the 1960s, Malcolm X emerged as one of the most vocal and powerful figures in the American civil rights movement. His speeches, writings, and activism often challenged not only domestic injustices but also global power dynamics. Among the many international issues Malcolm X addressed, one of the more controversial topics was Zionism. His views on Zionism reflected a broader anti-colonial critique, which he linked to his evolving understanding of global struggles against oppression. To understand Malcolm X’s position on Zionism, it is essential to explore his speeches, his Pan-African and internationalist beliefs, and the historical context in which he spoke.
Malcolm X and International Anti-Colonialism
By the early 1960s, Malcolm X had become deeply interested in international politics, especially in how African nations were freeing themselves from colonial rule. His travels to Africa and the Middle East exposed him to diverse political ideologies and movements, including nationalism, socialism, and pan-Islamism. These experiences had a profound effect on his worldview. He began to see the African American struggle as part of a larger, global fight against colonialism and imperialism.
Malcolm X believed that African Americans would never gain true freedom within the narrow framework of U.S. domestic politics. Instead, he argued that their liberation should be framed as a human rights issue and brought before international forums, such as the United Nations. This approach aligned him with many global liberation movements that challenged Western hegemony. It is within this ideological framework that Malcolm X began to express criticism of Zionism, which he viewed as a form of colonial expansionism in the Middle East.
Critique of Zionism
Opposition to Colonial Projects
Malcolm X’s criticism of Zionism was not directed toward Judaism or Jewish people but was aimed at what he perceived as the colonial character of the Zionist project in Palestine. He believed that Zionism was a European colonial movement that resulted in the displacement of indigenous Palestinians. In his writings and speeches, Malcolm X often drew comparisons between Zionism and other colonial movements, including the French in Algeria and the British in India.
In one of his topics published in the 1960s, he stated that the Zionist movement was using the language of liberation to mask what he considered an imperialist agenda. He argued that just as colonial powers had justified their domination over native populations under the guise of civilization and progress, Zionism was presenting itself as a struggle for a Jewish homeland while allegedly displacing another people from their land.
Pan-African Solidarity with Palestinians
Malcolm X saw a deep connection between the African American fight for civil rights and the Palestinian struggle. In his view, both groups were victims of systemic dispossession and state violence. His exposure to Arab intellectuals, activists, and political leaders during his trips to the Middle East further reinforced his understanding of the Palestinian cause. He considered the situation in Palestine not as a religious conflict, but as a political and territorial dispute shaped by global power interests.
This solidarity with the Palestinians fit naturally with Malcolm X’s larger commitment to Pan-Africanism. Just as he supported African nations fighting for self-determination, he extended that support to the Palestinian people. His understanding of liberation was global and inclusive, rooted in a vision of universal justice.
The Influence of Islam on Malcolm X’s Views
Malcolm X’s conversion to Islam and his pilgrimage to Mecca were pivotal moments in his life. They greatly expanded his worldview and deepened his connection to the broader Muslim community. His encounters with Muslims from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East broadened his understanding of race, politics, and solidarity. After his pilgrimage, he became a more vocal advocate for international human rights and began to engage with global Muslim issues, including the question of Palestine.
While Malcolm X moved away from the Nation of Islam’s more separatist doctrines, he continued to frame many of his political arguments through an Islamic lens. The concept of justice in Islam, particularly in relation to oppressed peoples, became central to his activism. For Malcolm, supporting Palestinians was not only a political duty but a moral obligation grounded in his faith.
The U.S., Israel, and Geopolitical Power
Malcolm X was acutely aware of how global politics influenced domestic struggles. He often criticized the U.S. government for supporting regimes that he viewed as oppressive, whether in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East. In the case of Israel, he accused the U.S. of backing what he saw as an aggressive colonial project in order to maintain strategic control over the Middle East.
He also argued that media portrayals of Zionism and Israel were often one-sided and ignored the suffering of Palestinians. Malcolm believed that the mainstream press in the United States was complicit in spreading biased narratives that justified occupation and concealed the realities of colonial domination.
Legacy and Contemporary Relevance
Debates Among Activists and Scholars
Malcolm X’s views on Zionism have remained a topic of discussion and debate among activists, scholars, and political leaders. Some have praised his willingness to speak out against what he saw as injustice, even when it was politically risky. Others have critiqued his stance, suggesting it oversimplified a complex situation or failed to acknowledge the historical trauma of Jewish people in Europe.
Nonetheless, his arguments continue to resonate among contemporary movements that emphasize intersectionality and global solidarity. Groups advocating for Palestinian rights often cite Malcolm X as a moral and ideological precursor. His approach to internationalism one that connects seemingly distant struggles through shared principles of justice and freedom remains influential today.
Intersection with Anti-Racism Movements
In the current era, where racial justice movements are increasingly interconnected with global human rights campaigns, Malcolm X’s critique of Zionism is often re-examined. Many younger activists have drawn inspiration from his ability to link domestic racial injustices with broader patterns of imperialism and occupation. This perspective is particularly relevant in understanding how issues like policing, surveillance, and military aid intersect in various geopolitical contexts.
Malcolm X’s stance on Zionism was part of his broader critique of imperialism, colonialism, and injustice around the world. Grounded in a deep commitment to international solidarity, his views reflected an understanding of oppression as a global phenomenon. His criticism of Zionism should be seen not as a rejection of a people or a religion but as a challenge to political structures that, in his view, perpetuated inequality and dispossession. By bringing attention to the plight of the Palestinians, Malcolm X contributed to a larger dialogue about power, resistance, and justice one that continues to shape global movements today.