GnasherJew
Targeting Innocent Critics - The Weaponisation of Antisemitism
GnasherJew has become one of the most controversial online presences in UK political discourse. While the cutout group claims to expose antisemitism, mounting evidence and testimonies reveal a pattern of targeting innocent people-many of whom are not antisemitic at all, but rather critics of Israeli policy or supporters of Palestinian rights. This aggressive conflation of anti-Zionism with antisemitism has led to widespread accusations of smears, ruined reputations, and a chilling effect on free speech.
Who Are GnasherJew?
David Collier
British pro-Israel activist and blogger, widely cited as a central figure. Known for undercover work and detailed reports, especially targeting Labour and pro-Palestinian activists. Collier’s methods have drawn accusations of racism and smear tactics.
John Arnott
Referenced in activist circles as a possible founder or prominent member, Arnott is associated with anti-Corbyn and pro-Israel activism, but little concrete information about his direct role is available.
Gillian Lazarus
Retired bookseller and Labour member, recognized for late-night documentation of alleged antisemitism on Labour forums. Lazarus’s efforts have been profiled as part of GnasherJew’s evidence-gathering operations.
Simon Myerson KC
Barrister.
Marlon Solomon
A Jewish comedian.
Others (Anonymous)
The group’s core remains anonymous, shielding themselves from accountability while orchestrating campaigns that have impacted countless individuals.
Targeting the Innocent: A Pattern of Smears
GnasherJew’s tactics have repeatedly ensnared people who are not antisemitic, but simply critical of Israeli government policy or supportive of Palestinian rights. Critics and victims describe the group’s approach as follows:
Guilt by Association: GnasherJew routinely brands critics of Israel as antisemites, often based on tenuous or out-of-context social media posts.
Smear Campaigns: Innocent activists, politicians, and artists have been publicly accused, leading to job losses, reputational harm, and emotional distress-even when there is no evidence of antisemitic intent.
Suppression of Free Speech: The group’s aggressive tactics have created a climate of fear, stifling open discussion about Palestine and Israeli policy. Academic and activist forums now self-censor to avoid being targeted.
False Allegations: There are documented cases where GnasherJew has spread misinformation, resulting in the suspension of their Twitter account for making false antisemitism allegations.
“I am one of their victims. As an artist who is neither white nor Antisemitic, they slandered my name by calling me a white supremacist and antisemite… They hide behind anonymity and spread misinformation about individuals.”
Victim testimony, Project Nemesis
The Broader Impact: Undermining the Fight Against Real Antisemitism
By targeting innocent people and conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism, GnasherJew and similar groups have:
Eroded the Credibility of Antisemitism Accusations: Overuse and misuse of the term have made it harder to rally support against genuine hatred and bigotry.
Divided Jewish Communities: Many anti-Zionist and non-Zionist Jews feel alienated by the insistence that criticism of Israel is inherently antisemitic.
Alienated Allies: Pro-Palestinian activists and organisations are less likely to engage with Jewish groups perceived as hostile, undermining broader anti-racist coalitions.
The Evidence
The evidence is clear: GnasherJew’s campaigns have repeatedly targeted innocent people who are not antisemitic, weaponising the charge to silence critics and stifle legitimate debate. Their aggressive, anonymous tactics have caused real harm-destroying reputations, careers, and the integrity of the fight against genuine antisemitism. Until there is accountability and a principled approach to distinguishing between hate and legitimate criticism, the damage to free speech and social cohesion will continue.
Great article. I am critical of Israel’s government and, as a Christian, I am also critical of Jewish theology. But by no means does that mean I hate Jews at all. But so many conflate criticism for hatred.