33. Are there other anti-Zionists in modern times?

In the Middle East, the most extreme anti-Zionism lies within the Islamic radicalism. Muslim anti-Zionism considers that Israel occupies Dar al-Islam (the Islamic holy land). Islamic groups or the government of Iran insist that Israel is legitimate and call it the “Zionist entity”. The opposition also arose from the Catholic Church, which considered that the “old pact” (Judaism) exists to witness the superiority of “the (Christian) truth”. Certain Christians believe that the State of Israel has no right to exist because it contradicts the destiny of the Jewish subjugation. Currently, the Vatican acknowledges Israel but not as an expression of Jewish redemption. After the Basel Congress (1897), the journal Civilita Cattolica published on Zionism: “1,827 years have passed since the fulfillment of the predictions of Jesus of Nazareth… [after the destruction of Jerusalem] Jews would be taken far away to become slaves among the nations and remain dispersed [Diaspora] until the end of the world.” The World Council of Churches is an example of this obsession to delegitimize Israel. In contrast, at present, Catholic groups such as Opus Dei feel quite related to Israel. Anti-Zionist feelings also come up in different forums such as the Organization of African Unity and the Non-aligned Movement, which approved resolutions that condemned Zionism and equaled it to racism and Apartheid during the 70s’ decade. Opposition to Zionism also influences Afro-American identities. Afro- American support to Palestinians is usually moved by “color” considerations. Political scientist Andrew Hacker writes: “The presence of Israel in the Middle East is perceived as an attempt to frustrate the legitimate status of colored people. Some blacks see Israel essentially as a white and European power, with external support”.