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Introduction:
In the contemporary world, discussions surrounding Jewish identity and its challenges represent one of the most sensitive and complex topics. This article focuses on Jews who, under the influence of life in the West, deny their authentic Jewish identity and align themselves with opponents of Israel.
Our objective is to demonstrate how residence in Western societies and the infiltration of leftist ideology among certain Jews have led to a form of self-destruction, distancing them from their traditional and authentic Jewish roots. This analysis is grounded in historical, cultural, and contemporary sources, revealing that this trend not only undermines individual identity but also harms the collective interests of Jews and the security of Israel.

•⁠ ⁠Historical Context: Roots of Distancing from Jewish Authenticity in the West

The history of Judaism illustrates that life in Western societies, particularly from the nineteenth century onward, has profoundly impacted Jewish identity. In Europe and America, where Jews migrated to escape persecution and discrimination, pressures to assimilate into host societies resulted in the dilution of Jewish traditions. For instance, the Jewish Reform movement in nineteenth-century Germany, influenced by Western Enlightenment ideals, led many Jews to abandon traditional practices such as adherence to dietary laws (kashrut) or observance of holy days (Shabbat) in order to appear as more “civilized” Jews. This process, often termed “assimilationism,” stemmed from a desire for acceptance within Christian societies but ultimately resulted in the weakening and negation of authentic Jewish identity. In the twentieth century, this phenomenon became prominent through the concept of “self-hating Jews,” first articulated by the late Theodor Herzl, the father of Zionism.
Herzl argued that Jews who, under the sway of Western culture, deny their ethnic and religious identity, inflict harm upon themselves and contribute to external antisemitism.
This self-destruction intensified in the post-World War II era, where Western Jews, seeking approval from liberal societies, withdrew support for Israel and even critiqued its policies.
Sources indicate that this trend is rooted in Western social pressures, where Jews sacrificed their authenticity to avoid the label of “foreigner.”
In Iran as well, debates on Jewish identity demonstrate how integration into non-Jewish societies leads to the loss of roots. For example, historical texts reveal that Jews in ancient times, influenced by Babylonian or Roman cultures, lost their identity and were only revived through a return to traditions.
This pattern recurs in the modern West, where life in secular and multicultural societies drives Jews toward the negation and denial of the Sinai Covenant (the pact with God), which constitutes the core of authentic Jewish identity.

•⁠ ⁠Influence of Leftism: The Primary Factor in Self-Destruction and Alignment with Opponents

The infiltration of leftist ideology among Western Jews is one of the most critical factors contributing to the distancing from authenticity. Leftism, with its emphasis on values such as global egalitarianism and critiques of capitalism, propels Jews toward criticism of Israel and the negation of traditional identity. In the late nineteenth century, many leftist Jews, such as Karl Marx or Leon Trotsky, regarded themselves as “non-Jewish Jews” and denied their ethnic identity to integrate into socialist movements. This approach has persisted into the modern era, leading to support for initiatives like BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions against Israel), promoted by leftist Jews, which threatens Israel’s security.
In recent social media posts, leftist Jews have been described as a “threat to Israel,” as their criticism of defensive policies fosters internal division and emboldens enemies such as Hamas. For example, during recent conflicts, Jewish leftists called for an immediate ceasefire, a stance that not only weakens Jewish identity but is also perceived as a betrayal of historical legacy.
Sources suggest that this self-destruction is rooted in leftist ideology, which drives Jews toward alignment with illusory Palestinian causes, sacrificing authenticity for universal values.
Furthermore, modern leftism, by promoting cosmopolitanism, questions the concept of Jewish “chosenness” (understood as moral responsibility toward others, rather than superiority) and compels Jews to reject their religious roots. In America and Europe, where leftism predominates, Jews under this ideological influence withdraw support for Israel and even contribute to latent antisemitism.
This trend, highlighted in recent articles, exemplifies self-destruction by alienating Jews from national unity and rendering them instruments of opponents.
Contemporary Examples and Consequences In recent years, the phenomenon of self-hating Jews in the West has intensified. For instance, leftist Jews in American universities, by supporting anti-Israel protests, deny their own identity and contribute to rising antisemitism. In Iran as well, discussions indicate that historical leftism, such as during the Stalin era, drove Jews toward identity negation. The consequences of this self-destruction include the weakening of Israel’s security and the loss of cultural authenticity, where Western Jews turn to secular Western values instead of preserving the Sinai Covenant.

•⁠ ⁠Conclusion:

Life in the West and the influence of leftism, through pressures for assimilation and cosmopolitanism, have driven some Jews toward self-destruction and distancing from authenticity. This phenomenon, rooted in history and intensified in the modern era, not only threatens individual identity but also damages collective interests such as Israel’s national security. To counter this, a return to traditional roots, strict observance of Torah laws, and strengthening national unity are essential for Jews to preserve their authenticity. This analysis demonstrates that without awareness of these challenges, the risk of losing Jewish identity escalates.
Koroush Javid in cooperation with Babak Jabarzadeh Tabrizi.