“Protest in Switzerland: Demonstrators Praise Hamas, Call for Israel’s Destruction at ‘Death to Zionism’ Rally”

In Basel, Switzerland, a recent protest titled “Free Palestine, Death to Zionism” drew significant attention as demonstrators voiced strong opposition to Zionism, equating it with fascism and Nazism. The rally took place on August 29, 2026, coinciding with the 129th anniversary of the First Zionist Congress, originally convened by Theodor Herzl in 1897. This event in Basel saw participants defending Hamas as a “resistance organization” and calling for the destruction of the State of Israel.

Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) Executive Director of European Affairs, Shannon Seban, attended the protest undercover to gather firsthand accounts. During the rally, one demonstrator described Zionism as “a very genocidal ideology,” while another suggested that Zionism should be considered illegal, likening it to ideologies from the Second World War, including Nazism. These comments reflect a broader trend of increasing antisemitic incidents across Europe, with CAM’s Antisemitism Research Center (ARC) documenting a nearly 50% rise in such incidents in 2025 compared to the previous year.

The protest in Basel is part of a series of similar events across Europe, where demonstrators have expressed support for Hamas and called for resistance against Israel. These gatherings often feature rhetoric that glorifies terrorism and employs antisemitic tropes, as seen in related protests in Norway and Greece. In Oslo, participants at a “Festival for Palestine” defended Hamas, while in Athens, protesters openly supported Hamas and voiced antisemitic sentiments.

The international community, including various political and religious leaders, has responded to these developments with calls for peace and justice. The situation underscores the importance of distinguishing between criticism of political actions and antisemitism, as emphasized by biblical teachings on truth and mercy, such as in Micah 6:8 and Romans 12:18. As these events unfold, the challenge remains to foster dialogue that upholds justice and neighbor-love while addressing the complex political and religious dimensions involved.

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