Watch Protocols of Zion

The documentary movie Protocols of Zion from 2005 examines the existence and impact of the infamous anti-Semitic document known as the Protocols of the Elders of Zion. The controversial text, which was first published in Russia in the early 20th century, purports to reveal a secret Jewish plot to take over the world. The film explores the history of the Protocols, the people and organizations who have used it for their own purposes, and the ongoing legacy of anti-Semitism in our society.

Directed by Marc Levin, Protocols of Zion combines interviews with experts and scholars, archival footage, and scenes filmed on location around the world to create a thought-provoking and sometimes disturbing picture of bigotry and hate. The movie features appearances by a diverse range of voices, including United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Rabbi Joanne Baron, rapper Chuck D, and members of the Ku Klux Klan.

The film's central argument is that the Protocols of the Elders of Zion is not only a blatant forgery but also a dangerous tool for those who seek to promote intolerance and violence. Levin presents evidence that the document was created by the secret police of Tsarist Russia as part of a campaign to demonize Jews and discredit political opponents. Despite the fact that it has been decisively debunked and discredited by scholars and governments around the world, the Protocols continues to be circulated in various forms and languages, often by extremist groups seeking to fuel anti-Semitic sentiment.

One of the most chilling scenes in the film takes place at a white supremacist rally in Pennsylvania, where hundreds of people from across the country have gathered to hear speeches about the "Jewish threat" to America. The rallygoers proudly display Confederate flags and swastikas, while a speaker on stage praises Adolf Hitler and calls for a "final solution" to the Jewish question. Levin's camera captures the fervor of the crowd, as well as the hatred and violence that lies beneath their ideology.

Throughout the movie, we hear from people who have been directly affected by the Protocols of Zion and its legacy of anti-Semitism. We meet a Russian journalist who received death threats after publishing an article exposing the document as a forgery; a Palestinian activist who sees the Protocols as part of a larger Zionist plot to dominate the Middle East; and a Holocaust survivor who reflects on the dangers of scapegoating and intolerance. These personal stories add depth and emotional resonance to the film's broader analysis.

At its core, Protocols of Zion is a call to action against hate speech and bigotry. While acknowledging the complexities of free speech and other fundamental rights, Levin argues that we must be vigilant in confronting anti-Semitism and other forms of prejudice wherever they appear. The movie ends with a message of hope, as individuals and organizations around the world work to promote understanding and combat hate.

Overall, Protocols of Zion is a powerful and provocative documentary that deserves to be seen by anyone interested in the ongoing struggle against intolerance and hate. By exposing the origins and impact of a notorious piece of propaganda, this film challenges us to confront a painful and often neglected aspect of our history, and to work towards a more just and compassionate society for all.