Secular Zionism

[[File:2024-06-25 Embassy of Israel - We Belong - Pride and Solidarity, Washington, DC USA 177 33526.jpg|thumb|[[Ritchie Torres]] speaking at the [[Embassy of Israel, Washington, D.C.|Israeli embassy to the United States]] in 2024]]

[[File:2024-06-25 Embassy of Israel - We Belong - Pride and Solidarity, Washington, DC USA 177 33526.jpg|thumb|[[Ritchie Torres]] speaking at the [[Embassy of Israel, Washington, D.C.|Israeli embassy to the United States]] in 2024]]

[[File:Pauline Hanson Israel flag.jpg|thumb|Senator [[Pauline Hanson]] wearing an Israeli flag scarf in the [[Australian Senate|Senate chamber]]]]

[[File:Pauline Hanson Israel flag.jpg|thumb|Senator [[Pauline Hanson]] wearing an Israeli flag scarf in the [[Australian Senate|Senate chamber]]]]

[[Justin Trudeau]], a secular political leader who served as [[Prime Minister of Canada]], has affirmed support for Israel including affirming its right to defend itself following the 2023 Hamas attacks,{{cite web |title=Statement by the Prime Minister on attacks against Israel |url=https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/statements/2023/10/08/statement-prime-minister-trudeau-attacks-against-israel |website=Prime Minister of Canada |date=8 October 2023 |access-date=9 April 2026}} and has described himself as a "Zionist" in 2025.{{cite web |title=On the same day Israel cuts off electricity and water to Gaza, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defiantly declares “I am a Zionist” |url=https://canadatalksisraelpalestine.ca/2025/03/13/on-the-same-day-israel-cuts-off-electricity-and-water-to-gaza-prime-minister-justin-trudeau-defiantly-declares-i-am-a-zionist/ |website=Canada Talks Israel/Palestine |date=13 March 2025 |access-date=9 April 2026}} U.S. Senator [[John Fetterman]] has staunchly backed Israel, including advocating for close cooperation with [[Israeli military]] actions. Fetterman has been described as [[Liberalism in the United States|politically liberal]] and secular, while his religious affiliation has not been publicly disclosed.{{cite web |title=Fetterman: I fully support partnering with Israel to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities |website=The Jewish Chronicle (Times of Israel) |publisher=Jewish News Syndicate |date=20 March 2025 |url=https://jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com/fetterman-i-fully-support-partnering-with-israel-to-bomb-irans-nuclear-facilities/ |access-date=5 April 2026}}{{cite web |title=Fetterman Statement on Israel |website=Office of U.S. Senator John Fetterman |date=9 October 2023 |url=https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-israel/ |access-date=5 April 2026}} U.S. Representative [[Ritchie Torres]] has described his strong support for Israel as secular, stating that although he identifies as [[Cultural Christians|culturally Christian]], his Zionism is not rooted in religion. His staunch defense of Israel has drawn criticism from some [[progressive politics|progressive]] figures over his positions on the [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict]].{{cite news |last=Coltin |first=Jeff |title=Rep. Ritchie Torres is Israel’s loudest House supporter |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/27/rep-ritchie-torres-is-israels-loudest-house-supporter-00123969 |work=Politico |date=27 October 2023 |access-date=9 April 2026}} American government official [[Dr. Mehmet Oz]] describes himself as a secular [[Sufi Muslim]] and has declared pro-Israel views.{{cite news |last=McDuffie |first=Will |title=Dr. Oz could make history as a Muslim senator, but his faith isn't a big part of his campaign |url=https://abcnews.com/Politics/dr-oz-make-history-muslim-senator-faith-big/story?id=90541966 |work=ABC News |date=14 October 2022 |access-date=9 April 2026}}{{cite news |last=Boteach |first=Shmuley |title=Dr. Oz must clarify his position on Israel |url=https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-709314 |work=The Jerusalem Post |date=13 June 2022 |access-date=9 April 2026}}

[[Justin Trudeau]], a secular political leader who served as [[Prime Minister of Canada]], has affirmed support for Israel including affirming its right to defend itself following the [[2023 Hamas attacks on Israel]],{{cite web |title=Statement by the Prime Minister on attacks against Israel |url=https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/statements/2023/10/08/statement-prime-minister-trudeau-attacks-against-israel |website=Prime Minister of Canada |date=8 October 2023 |access-date=9 April 2026}} and has described himself as a "Zionist" in 2025.{{cite web |title=On the same day Israel cuts off electricity and water to Gaza, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defiantly declares “I am a Zionist” |url=https://canadatalksisraelpalestine.ca/2025/03/13/on-the-same-day-israel-cuts-off-electricity-and-water-to-gaza-prime-minister-justin-trudeau-defiantly-declares-i-am-a-zionist/ |website=Canada Talks Israel/Palestine |date=13 March 2025 |access-date=9 April 2026}} U.S. Senator [[John Fetterman]] has staunchly backed Israel, including advocating for close cooperation with [[Israeli military]] actions. Fetterman has been described as [[Liberalism in the United States|politically liberal]] and secular, while his religious affiliation has not been publicly disclosed.{{cite web |title=Fetterman: I fully support partnering with Israel to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities |website=The Jewish Chronicle (Times of Israel) |publisher=Jewish News Syndicate |date=20 March 2025 |url=https://jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com/fetterman-i-fully-support-partnering-with-israel-to-bomb-irans-nuclear-facilities/ |access-date=5 April 2026}}{{cite web |title=Fetterman Statement on Israel |website=Office of U.S. Senator John Fetterman |date=9 October 2023 |url=https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-israel/ |access-date=5 April 2026}} U.S. Representative [[Ritchie Torres]] has described his strong support for Israel as secular, stating that although he identifies as [[Cultural Christians|culturally Christian]], his Zionism is not rooted in religion. His staunch defense of Israel has drawn criticism from some [[progressive politics|progressive]] figures over his positions on the [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict]].{{cite news |last=Coltin |first=Jeff |title=Rep. Ritchie Torres is Israel’s loudest House supporter |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/27/rep-ritchie-torres-is-israels-loudest-house-supporter-00123969 |work=Politico |date=27 October 2023 |access-date=9 April 2026}} American government official [[Dr. Mehmet Oz]] describes himself as a secular [[Sufi Muslim]] and has declared pro-Israel views.{{cite news |last=McDuffie |first=Will |title=Dr. Oz could make history as a Muslim senator, but his faith isn't a big part of his campaign |url=https://abcnews.com/Politics/dr-oz-make-history-muslim-senator-faith-big/story?id=90541966 |work=ABC News |date=14 October 2022 |access-date=9 April 2026}}{{cite news |last=Boteach |first=Shmuley |title=Dr. Oz must clarify his position on Israel |url=https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-709314 |work=The Jerusalem Post |date=13 June 2022 |access-date=9 April 2026}}

[[Kirsten Gillibrand]], a U.S. Senator who was raised in a Catholic family but is not publicly known for strong religious affiliation, has expressed support for Israel, including affirming its right to defend itself and supporting U.S. military assistance.{{cite web |title=Gillibrand Statement on Israel’s Right to Self-Defense |url=https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-israels-right-to-self-defense |website=Office of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand |date=9 October 2023 |access-date=9 April 2026}} [[Hakeem Jeffries]], a U.S. Representative who has described his faith as not central to his public life despite a Christian upbringing, has voiced support for Israel, including affirming its right to defend itself.{{cite web |title=Jeffries Statement on Israel |url=https://jeffries.house.gov/2023/10/07/jeffries-statement-on-israel |website=Office of Congressman Hakeem Jeffries |date=7 October 2023 |access-date=9 April 2026}} [[Kyrsten Sinema]], an independent U.S. Senator who has described herself as non-religious, has voiced support for Israel, including affirming its right to defend itself.{{cite web |title=Statement on Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel |url=https://www.sinema.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sinema-statement-on-hamas-terrorist-attacks-against-israel |website=Office of Senator Kyrsten Sinema |date=7 October 2023 |access-date=9 April 2026}} [[Progressivism in the United States|Progressive]] political commentator [[Ben Gleib]], who was a [[2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries#Candidates|Democratic candidate]] for [[President of the United States]] in 2020 and is a contributor on ''[[The Young Turks]]'', has expressed support for Israel in commentary, a position that has been noted as differing from that of some other commentators on the program.{{cite podcast |title=Episode on Spotify |url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/1KrFBXnQ5Bpds3fT3n1sR3 |website=Spotify |access-date=16 April 2026}} [[Boris Johnson]], a former [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom]] and a non-practising Christian, has expressed strong support for Israel, referring to himself as a “life-long friend, admirer and supporter” of the country and previously as a “passionate Zionist”.{{cite web |title=As Israel’s friend, I urge you not to annex |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/as-israels-friend-i-urge-you-not-to-annex-pm-boris-johnson |website=UK Government |date=1 July 2020 |access-date=9 April 2026}}{{cite news |title=Boris Johnson described himself as a “passionate Zionist” |url=https://www.jns.org/boris-johnson-britains-newest-leader-once-described-himself-as-a-passionate-zionist/ |work=Jewish News Syndicate |date=23 July 2019 |access-date=9 April 2026}}{{cite news |title=Boris Johnson: I would count myself as a ‘very, very bad Christian’ |url=https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/boris-johnson-i-would-count-myself-as-a-very-very-bad-christian |work=Premier Christian News |date=9 July 2021 |access-date=9 April 2026}}

[[Kirsten Gillibrand]], a U.S. Senator who was raised in a Catholic family but is not publicly known for strong religious affiliation, has expressed support for Israel, including affirming its right to defend itself and supporting U.S. military assistance.{{cite web |title=Gillibrand Statement on Israel’s Right to Self-Defense |url=https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-israels-right-to-self-defense |website=Office of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand |date=9 October 2023 |access-date=9 April 2026}} [[Hakeem Jeffries]], a U.S. Representative who has described his faith as not central to his public life despite a Christian upbringing, has voiced support for Israel, including affirming its right to defend itself.{{cite web |title=Jeffries Statement on Israel |url=https://jeffries.house.gov/2023/10/07/jeffries-statement-on-israel |website=Office of Congressman Hakeem Jeffries |date=7 October 2023 |access-date=9 April 2026}} [[Kyrsten Sinema]], an independent U.S. Senator who has described herself as non-religious, has voiced support for Israel, including affirming its right to defend itself.{{cite web |title=Statement on Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel |url=https://www.sinema.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sinema-statement-on-hamas-terrorist-attacks-against-israel |website=Office of Senator Kyrsten Sinema |date=7 October 2023 |access-date=9 April 2026}} [[Progressivism in the United States|Progressive]] political commentator [[Ben Gleib]], who was a [[2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries#Candidates|Democratic candidate]] for [[President of the United States]] in 2020 and is a contributor on ''[[The Young Turks]]'', has expressed support for Israel in commentary, a position that has been noted as differing from that of some other commentators on the program.{{cite podcast |title=Episode on Spotify |url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/1KrFBXnQ5Bpds3fT3n1sR3 |website=Spotify |access-date=16 April 2026}} [[Boris Johnson]], a former [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom]] and a non-practising Christian, has expressed strong support for Israel, referring to himself as a “life-long friend, admirer and supporter” of the country and previously as a “passionate Zionist”.{{cite web |title=As Israel’s friend, I urge you not to annex |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/as-israels-friend-i-urge-you-not-to-annex-pm-boris-johnson |website=UK Government |date=1 July 2020 |access-date=9 April 2026}}{{cite news |title=Boris Johnson described himself as a “passionate Zionist” |url=https://www.jns.org/boris-johnson-britains-newest-leader-once-described-himself-as-a-passionate-zionist/ |work=Jewish News Syndicate |date=23 July 2019 |access-date=9 April 2026}}{{cite news |title=Boris Johnson: I would count myself as a ‘very, very bad Christian’ |url=https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/boris-johnson-i-would-count-myself-as-a-very-very-bad-christian |work=Premier Christian News |date=9 July 2021 |access-date=9 April 2026}}

===Media and public figures ===

===Media and public figures ===

Atheist philosopher [[Sam Harris]] has voiced support for Israel, often framing the conflict as a struggle between liberal democratic values and [[Islamist extremism]]. His interpretation of the [[Israel–Hamas war]] was described by critics as portraying the conflict in moral and civilizational terms, emphasizing [[jihadist]] ideology as the primary cause of violence while downplaying political and historical factors.{{cite magazine |last=Levitz |first=Eric |title=Sam Harris’s Fairy-Tale Account of the Israel-Hamas Conflict |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/11/sam-harriss-fairy-tale-account-of-the-israel-hamas-conflict.html |magazine=New York |date=16 November 2023 |access-date=5 April 2026}} British commentator [[Douglas Murray (author)|Douglas Murray]], who has described himself as agnostic or atheist, has emerged as a prominent contemporary advocate of Zionism, particularly following the [[2023 Hamas attacks on Israel]]. His outspoken endorsement for Israel—framed as a defense of [[Western civilization]] and liberal values—has significantly raised his public profile. His arguments emphasize [[moral clarity]], [[opposition to antisemitism]], and a broader civilizational struggle between democratic societies and their adversaries.{{cite news |last=Gordon |first=Dave |title=Fierce Zionism propels Douglas Murray to intellectual superstardom |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/fierce-zionism-propels-douglas-murray-to-intellectual-superstardom |work=National Post |date=28 February 2024 |access-date=4 April 2026}}

Atheist philosopher [[Sam Harris]] has voiced support for Israel, often framing the conflict as a struggle between liberal democratic values and [[Islamist extremism]]. His interpretation of the [[Israel–Hamas war]] was described by critics as portraying the conflict in moral and civilizational terms, emphasizing [[jihadist]] ideology as the primary cause of violence while downplaying political and historical factors.{{cite magazine |last=Levitz |first=Eric |title=Sam Harris’s Fairy-Tale Account of the Israel-Hamas Conflict |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/11/sam-harriss-fairy-tale-account-of-the-israel-hamas-conflict.html |magazine=New York |date=16 November 2023 |access-date=5 April 2026}} British commentator [[Douglas Murray (author)|Douglas Murray]], who has described himself as agnostic or atheist, has emerged as a prominent contemporary advocate of Zionism, particularly following the October 7 attacks. His outspoken endorsement for Israel—framed as a defense of [[Western civilization]] and liberal values—has significantly raised his public profile. His arguments emphasize [[moral clarity]], [[opposition to antisemitism]], and a broader civilizational struggle between democratic societies and their adversaries.{{cite news |last=Gordon |first=Dave |title=Fierce Zionism propels Douglas Murray to intellectual superstardom |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/fierce-zionism-propels-douglas-murray-to-intellectual-superstardom |work=National Post |date=28 February 2024 |access-date=4 April 2026}}

American television host and comedian [[Bill Maher]], who has described himself as agnostic or atheist, has strongly defended Israel, arguing that it represents [[Liberalism|liberal]] democratic values in contrast to groups such as [[Hamas]]. In a 2024 monologue, he criticized [[pro-Palestinian]] activism and asserted that [[LGBTQ]] individuals would face persecution in [[Gaza City|Gaza]], stating that [[Criticism of Israel|critics of Israel]] misunderstand the nature of oppression in the region.{{cite news |title=Bill Maher lambastes Chappell Roan: They’d throw you ‘off a roof’ in Gaza |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/bill-maher-lambastes-chappell-roan-theyd-throw-you-off-a-roof-in-gaza/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=13 October 2024 |access-date=5 April 2026}} Following the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, liberal atheist streamer [[Destiny (streamer)|Destiny]] has been supporting Israel, stating, "The [[Palestinians]] are oppressed by all the [[Arab world|Arab countries]], and no country from them, which is supposed to be on 'their' side, has bothered to offer them a real solution—and yet, their anger is directed fully at Israel, and unjustifiably in my opinion."{{cite journal |author=Liberman-Plashkes |first=Noa |date=November 22, 2023 |title= |script-title=he:'רוב האנשים לא טורחים לקרוא או לחשוב לעומק': ישראל מגלה תומכים מפתיעים ברשת |trans-title='Most people don't bother to read or think deeply': Israel discovers surprising supporters online |url=https://www.themarker.com/captain-internet/2023-11-22/ty-article/0000018b-f816-d330-a9bb-ffd62d4a0000 |journal=[[TheMarker]] |language=he |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202170027/https://www.themarker.com/captain-internet/2023-11-22/ty-article/0000018b-f816-d330-a9bb-ffd62d4a0000 |archive-date=2024-02-02 |accessdate=November 23, 2023}} During a visit to Israel in November 2023, [[Elon Musk]], who has described himself as “not particularly religious” and as “probably a [[cultural Christian]]”, expressed support for Israel’s position against Hamas, stating that Israel had “no choice” but to eliminate the group.{{cite web |title=Elon Musk’s Israel trip: What was the purpose, what did he tell Netanyahu? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/28/elon-musks-israel-trip-what-was-the-purpose-what-did-he-tell-netanyahu|website=Al Jazeera |date=28 November 2023 |access-date=14 April 2026}}{{cite web |last=McCarthy-Jones |first=Simon |title=Elon Musk says he’s a ‘cultural Christian’ – why some leading thinkers are embracing Christianity |url=https://theconversation.com/elon-musk-says-hes-a-cultural-christian-why-some-leading-thinkers-are-embracing-christianity-233601|website=The Conversation |date=26 July 2024 |access-date=14 April 2026}}{{cite web |title=Elon Musk criticizes “secular religion” and suggests value in traditional faith |url=https://zenit.org/2024/10/01/elon-musk-criticizes-secular-religion-and-suggests-value-in-traditional-faith/|website=ZENIT |date=1 October 2024 |access-date=14 April 2026}}

American television host and comedian [[Bill Maher]], who has described himself as agnostic or atheist, has strongly defended Israel, arguing that it represents [[Liberalism|liberal]] democratic values in contrast to groups such as [[Hamas]]. In a 2024 monologue, he criticized [[pro-Palestinian]] activism and asserted that [[LGBTQ]] individuals would face persecution in [[Gaza City|Gaza]], stating that [[Criticism of Israel|critics of Israel]] misunderstand the nature of oppression in the region.{{cite news |title=Bill Maher lambastes Chappell Roan: They’d throw you ‘off a roof’ in Gaza |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/bill-maher-lambastes-chappell-roan-theyd-throw-you-off-a-roof-in-gaza/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=13 October 2024 |access-date=5 April 2026}} Following the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, liberal atheist streamer [[Destiny (streamer)|Destiny]] has been supporting Israel, stating, "The [[Palestinians]] are oppressed by all the [[Arab world|Arab countries]], and no country from them, which is supposed to be on 'their' side, has bothered to offer them a real solution—and yet, their anger is directed fully at Israel, and unjustifiably in my opinion."{{cite journal |author=Liberman-Plashkes |first=Noa |date=November 22, 2023 |title= |script-title=he:'רוב האנשים לא טורחים לקרוא או לחשוב לעומק': ישראל מגלה תומכים מפתיעים ברשת |trans-title='Most people don't bother to read or think deeply': Israel discovers surprising supporters online |url=https://www.themarker.com/captain-internet/2023-11-22/ty-article/0000018b-f816-d330-a9bb-ffd62d4a0000 |journal=[[TheMarker]] |language=he |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202170027/https://www.themarker.com/captain-internet/2023-11-22/ty-article/0000018b-f816-d330-a9bb-ffd62d4a0000 |archive-date=2024-02-02 |accessdate=November 23, 2023}} During a visit to Israel in November 2023, [[Elon Musk]], who has described himself as “not particularly religious” and as “probably a [[cultural Christian]]”, expressed support for Israel’s position against Hamas, stating that Israel had “no choice” but to eliminate the group.{{cite web |title=Elon Musk’s Israel trip: What was the purpose, what did he tell Netanyahu? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/28/elon-musks-israel-trip-what-was-the-purpose-what-did-he-tell-netanyahu|website=Al Jazeera |date=28 November 2023 |access-date=14 April 2026}}{{cite web |last=McCarthy-Jones |first=Simon |title=Elon Musk says he’s a ‘cultural Christian’ – why some leading thinkers are embracing Christianity |url=https://theconversation.com/elon-musk-says-hes-a-cultural-christian-why-some-leading-thinkers-are-embracing-christianity-233601|website=The Conversation |date=26 July 2024 |access-date=14 April 2026}}{{cite web |title=Elon Musk criticizes “secular religion” and suggests value in traditional faith |url=https://zenit.org/2024/10/01/elon-musk-criticizes-secular-religion-and-suggests-value-in-traditional-faith/|website=ZENIT |date=1 October 2024 |access-date=14 April 2026}}