The lie that would not die.

The Protocols of the Elders of Zion is an anti-Semitic pamphlet published in Russia at the end of the 19th century. 

It purports to be the minutes of meetings held secretly by Jewish wise men plotting to control the world. Exposed many times as a forgery, the Protocols has nevertheless continued to be translated, published, and distributed all over the world, from the United States to Japan, from the Arab world to Latin America. Its legacy is alive and well today in the charter for Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, as well as among Holocaust deniers, and conspiracy theorists.

Just because something is published or available to read doesn't mean it's true. In this case, My Jewish Learning and other reputable sources include the Protocols of the Elders of Zion on their websites to expose it, explain its history, and warn people not to fall for it. They’re not endorsing it — they’re calling it out.

Here's Why It's Still Around:

1. Historical Awareness:
   Like many false or dangerous writings (such as Hitler's Mein Kampf), scholars, educators, and historians keep records of them so people can learn how propaganda works, how it spreads hate, and how to prevent it from happening again.

2. It Was Widely Circulated:
   Even though it's fake, the Protocols was printed and shared across Europe and the Middle East during the 20th century. You can still find it online or in libraries—not because it’s true, but because it’s a piece of dangerous history that many want to learn from.

3. To Debunk It:
   Sites like My Jewish Learning explain what the Protocols are so people don’t get fooled. Just like you'd teach kids not to believe everything they read on the internet, historians explain old lies so we recognize them today.

Some people say the Protocols of the Elders of Zion is just a fake old story, but others wonder why it keeps showing up again and again, even in schools, libraries, and websites. 

The truth is, it was shared all over the world many years ago, especially during times of war and fear. Now, history books and websites keep it around so people can study how lies can turn into big problems if no one questions them. 

But not everyone is convinced it's just a hoax—some believe there’s a reason people still bring it up, especially when world leaders and powerful bankers seem to follow plans that match parts of the old text. That’s why it’s important to think for ourselves, learn from the past, and keep asking questions—because sometimes what’s called “fake” still influences the real world in ways we don’t fully understand.

Example:

Imagine finding a book in a library that says the moon is made of cheese. The library doesn’t agree with the book—it’s just there because someone once believed it, and others want to study why.

Same thing with the Protocols: it’s part of history, but it’s been proven false. People talk about it to show how easily lies can be dressed up as truth—and why critical thinking matters.

Protocols of the Elders of Zion | My Jewish Learning

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