Zionism is a movement for the re-establishment, development, and protection of a sovereign Jewish nation in Palestine, or what is now Israel. Theodor Herzl established Zionism as a political organization in 1897. Zionist Jews from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East settled in Palestine in increasing numbers beginning around 1897 and established the State of Israel in 1948.

Anti-Semitism is a hostility to or prejudice against Jews. Antisemitism in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East was the impetus for the Zionist movement and the creation of the State of Israel. Many Arab Palestinians harbor anti-Semitic beliefs, and many of Israel’s neighbor nations are anti-Semitic. Shavit considers the BDS (Boycott, Divest, Sanction) movement in the United States anti-Semitic.

BDS is the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement. It is a Palestinian-led campaign advocating various forms of boycott against Israel until Israel meets its purported obligations under international law, which the movement describes as withdrawal from occupied territories in Palestine, removal of the West Bank separation barrier, equality for Arab-Palestinian Israeli citizens, and respecting the right of return for Palestinian refugees. The campaign is organized by the Palestinian BDS National Committee.