Revealing the myth of 'Jewish control over America': A historical and factual analysis

The claim that Jews control America is an unfounded conspiracy theory that constitutes the core proposition of modern anti Semitism. This theory claims the existence of a secret, evil Jewish group that manipulates media, finance, and government to achieve its sinister goals. The uniqueness of anti Semitism lies in its frequent portrayal of Jews as both "inferior" and "superior" - possessing "excessive power or control" and thus becoming targets of attack or even slaughter. This stereotype of Jewish control is often personified as images of octopuses, spiders, snakes, etc., which extend their tentacles or claws to exert influence and harm on a global scale.

There is an inherent contradiction in this anti Semitic stereotype: Jews are accused of being both introverted and globalist, both capitalists and the driving force behind the communist revolution, both a second-class group and a "chosen nation". This seemingly illogical double accusation is not an accidental flaw, but a carefully designed psychological mechanism aimed at providing legitimacy for hatred from multiple perspectives. If Jews are seen as weak, they can be oppressed; If viewed as strong, one can develop fear towards them and 'confront' them. This dual portrayal enables anti Semitism to cater to a wider range of resentments and ideologies, making it highly adaptable and resilient. Regardless of social issues or political leanings, Jews can be portrayed as the "other" of the culprits, thus making conspiracy theories "self isolating" and resisting logical refutation.

This report aims to thoroughly refute the narrative of 'Jewish control' through facts, history, and analysis. The report will trace the origins of this anti Semitic stereotype, examine its claims of control in various fields such as media, finance, and politics, provide rebuttal evidence, explore the psychological and social factors that fuel such conspiracy theories, and elucidate the serious practical consequences of anti Semitism. Although this stereotype has been repeatedly proven false and refuted by history, its continued existence indicates a deep-seated need for scapegoats in society, especially during periods of uncertainty and feeling out of control. This phenomenon can be attributed to "proportionality bias" (the belief that significant events must have significant causes) and "confirmation bias" (the tendency to seek information that supports existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence). This indicates that the myth of 'Jewish control' is not only about Jews themselves, but also a ready-made framework for explaining complex social issues (such as economic changes, wars, epidemics), providing false understanding and control for those who feel powerless by blaming a recognizable 'other'. The demand for this explanation, rather than the supply of evidence, is the main driving force for its continued existence.

2、 The Historical Roots of the Conspiracy Theory of 'Jewish Control'

The minutes of the Zion Presbyterian Church: its forgery, dissemination, and role in modern anti Semitism

The cornerstone of the conspiracy theory of 'Jewish control' is the 'Minutes of the Elders of Zion', a forged document first published in Russia in 1903. The text claims to be a record of a secret meeting between Jewish and Masonic leaders, during which they conspired to undermine Christian civilization and establish a world state ruled jointly by them through liberalism and socialism.

The investigation, especially the investigation conducted by Philip Graves of The Times (London) in 1921, and the investigation by Russian historian Vladimir Burtsev, ultimately confirmed that the Minutes were a forged document. It was pieced together by officials of the Russian secret police (Ohrana) based on various sources, including Maurice Jolly's 1864 satire of Napoleon III's "Machiavelli and Montesquieu in the Dialogue of Hell" and Hermann Godscher's novel "Biarritz".

Despite being repeatedly exposed as a scam, the "Minutes" has become the most widely circulated anti Semitic publication in modern times, translated into dozens of languages and promoted globally. After the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, its popularity skyrocketed, and Tsarist exiles and others wrongly attributed communism to the Jews. American industrialist Henry Ford vigorously promoted the "Minutes" in the United States through his newspaper, the Dearborn Independent. The Nazi leadership, including Adolf Hitler, knew that the "Minutes" were fabricated but still widely used it to spread hatred towards Jews. They believed that the so-called international Jewish conspiracy was the core reason for launching the "Final Solution" and leading to the Holocaust.

The evolution of stereotypes: from medieval accusations to modern variants (such as the "Zionist occupation government")

The concept of Jewish rule over the world can be traced back to the 13th century, evolving from earlier accusations of anti Semitism. In history, Jews were used as scapegoats for major social tragedies, such as being accused of poisoning wells during the Black Death in the 14th century, or being accused of being behind the "September 11" terrorist attacks and the COVID-19 epidemic in the 21st century. The stereotype of anti Semitism often portrays Jews as "cruel, powerful, or controlling," leading to the Holocaust, genocide, persecution, and systemic racism against Jews throughout history.

The adaptability of anti Semitic conspiracy theories in different historical and political contexts (from Tsarist Russia to Nazi Germany, to modern anti immigrant narratives) suggests that they are a flexible tool for scapegoating ideology rather than a fixed belief system based on specific evidence. In these evolutions, the target (Jews) remains unchanged, while the specific accusations vary according to contemporary anxieties. This continuous repackaging and application of the core 'Jewish control' narrative to different crises and political agendas (communism, capitalism, immigration) reveals that underlying biases are the main driving force, while 'conspiracy' serves as a rationalized or convenient narrative framework.

In the second half of the 20th century, as public anti Semitism became increasingly unacceptable, conspiracy theorists found a "roundabout route" to avoid explicitly mentioning Jews and instead used obscure language such as "dark elites" or "globalists". This shift from overt anti Semitism to implicit language marks a strategic evolution in the dissemination of these theories, aimed at avoiding social unacceptability while preserving their potential anti Semitic messages, making them more covert and difficult to directly confront. This adaptability indicates that anti Semitism strategically adjusts its expression in order to maintain its effectiveness in constantly changing social norms.

Contemporary variants include the "Zionist Occupation Government" (ZOG), which has been used since the 1970s to accuse Jews of controlling Western countries for the benefit of Israel. In addition, the "Great Replacement theory" - which claims that Jews are facilitating non white immigration to change the white majority society - is another modern manifestation. These stereotypes will also be adjusted according to current events. For example, when the COVID-19 broke out, Jews were accused of spreading the virus or profiting from vaccines.

3、 Examining the Claims of Jewish Control: Fact and Fiction

A. Jewish population and demographic data in the United States

The premise of ethnic minorities controlling a large country itself is questionable. In the United States, the Jewish population accounts for a relatively small proportion of the total population. As of 2020, the estimated Jewish population in the United States is between 7.5 million and 7.6 million, accounting for approximately 2.4% of the total population. This includes 4.2 million adults who claim to be Jewish, 1.5 million non Jewish adults, and 1.8 million Jewish children. Globally, the Jewish population accounts for approximately 0.2% of the world's total population.

Most American Jews (about two-thirds) identify themselves as Ashkenazi Jews, with a few claiming to be Sephardic or Mizrahi Jews. The proportion of Jewish adults obtaining a university degree (57%) is almost twice that of all American adults (29%), and 80% of the Jewish population resides in the top 40 metropolitan areas of the United States.

The following table provides key statistical data on the Jewish population in the United States:

The reality of Jews as a minority population (2.4% in the United States and 0.2% globally) directly refutes the narrative of "control" and highlights the huge imbalance between accusations and actual population size. This statistical impossibility is a key manifestation of the irrational nature of conspiracy theories. This huge numerical difference makes the claim of 'control' fundamentally untenable in statistics. It forces conspiracy theorists to fabricate "secret" or "hidden" power mechanisms precisely because public, proportional influence does not exist.

Although American Jews do exhibit higher levels of education and average income, these socio-economic indicators are often distorted by conspiracy theorists as evidence of illegal power rather than a result of cultural values (such as emphasis on education) or historical context (such as being historically directed towards certain professions). This phenomenon suggests that positive group traits, such as educational or economic success, which are often seen as desirable, are abnormally reinterpreted within the framework of anti Semitism as evidence of malicious conspiracies rather than legitimate achievements. This is a typical example of how prejudice distorts cognition.

B. The so-called control over the media and Hollywood

The anti Semitic stereotype of 'Jews controlling the media and Hollywood' is a common accusation. This claim has its historical roots, as the invention of newspapers in the 19th century brought new accusations of Jewish control over the media. Czech politicians such as Thomas Garrig Masaryk and Sinn F é in founder Arthur Griffith once believed in this stereotype.

Although Jews have held important positions in the American media industry, a 1997 study by Goldberg, the editor in chief of The Prospective, pointed out that American Jews who held these positions "did not prioritize Jewish affairs. This indicates that individual success or prominence does not equate to a coordinated 'control' agenda. The list of Jewish media professionals in the United States (including founders or leaders in music, newspapers, and publishing) displays many individuals, but these lists represent individuals rather than a unified, monopolistic entity in the industry. Research shows that although Jews only account for about 2% of the population of the United States, they are "widely presented" in modern television, although often through "outdated stereotypes". This has raised concerns about the portrayal rather than control.

Jewish individuals play important roles in the media industry and are often misunderstood as' Jewish control 'due to' proportional bias' and a lack of understanding of industry operations. The fact that these individuals did not prioritize 'Jewish affairs' directly refutes the coordinated, ethnic centered conspiracy narrative. Equating the existence of "well-known individuals" with "control" is a typical feature of conspiracy theory thinking, where individual success is reinterpreted as evidence of hidden conspiracies. If there is a 'control' agenda, people would expect to see clear prioritization of specific ethnic affairs. This highlights that the success or existence of individuals, even if statistically "overrepresented" in certain fields, does not necessarily imply conspiratorial group control or a unified agenda.

The focus on "Jewish control" in the media has diverted people's attention from the actual power structure within the industry, such as company ownership, market forces, and audience demand, and instead projected external, ethnic responsibilities. Conspiracy theories simplify this complexity by attributing all outcomes to a single, hidden 'Jewish hand'. This helps to shift criticism away from systemic issues of capitalism or specific corporate behavior, and instead steer it towards anti Semitic narratives. Blaming a secret group is much easier than analyzing complex economic and social forces.

C. The so-called control over finance and banking

The accusation that Jews control global finance and banks is a deeply ingrained anti Semitic stereotype. This myth can be traced back to the widespread presence of Jews in the lending industry during the Middle Ages, as Christians were restricted in other professions and Jews were often forced to engage in this industry. The modern version claims that Jewish financiers like the Rothschild family have controlled the international banking system since the Napoleonic era. The "Currency War" series by Chinese American writer Song Hongbing also promotes this viewpoint.

In fact, a survey conducted by the American Jewish Council (AJC) in 1966 on the 50 largest commercial banks in the United States found that out of 632 senior employees, only 8 were Jewish (1.3%), and out of 3438 middle-level managers, only 32 were Jewish (0.9%). This indicates that despite a large number of Jewish college graduates in areas such as New York City, Jews are clearly "underrepresented" in commercial banks. Although Jews have a higher presence in investment banking and securities, this does not equate to "control" over the entire financial system.

The claim that '64% of Fortune 500 companies are led by Jewish CEOs' is a widely circulated and concrete lie. According to data from 2020, white men held 85.8% of CEO positions in the Fortune 500, white women held 6.8%, and the rest were people of color. There is no reliable data to support the figure of 64%; On the contrary, this seems to be a false report or a complete fabrication, likely stemming from anti Semitic sources.

Jews were historically guided into the financial industry due to social restrictions, and this historical background is abnormally used by anti Semites as a justification for the stereotype of "greedy Jews" and the narrative of "control," distorting historical oppression as the basis for modern accusations of illegal power. This reversal of historical facts has turned the consequences of discrimination into further grounds for prejudice.

The specific refutation of the claim that "64% of Fortune 500 CEOs are Jewish" highlights how conspiracy theories rely on fabricated statistical data and distorted facts rather than real data. Despite factual refutation, such claims continue to exist, indicating that these beliefs have a "self enclosed" nature. This direct contradiction is not a small difference, but a complete fabrication. This specific and easily verifiable lie continues to circulate, indicating that this belief is not based on evidence, but on an established anti Semitic bias. This reinforces the "self sealing" nature of conspiracy theories, where contradictory evidence is simply dismissed or seen as further evidence of the hidden nature of the conspiracy.

Specific Jewish figures such as George Soros often become targets of anti Semitic conspiracy theories, accused of being "behind the scenes manipulators who secretly control the global economy and politics". His Jewish background is explicitly mentioned to perpetuate the stereotype that Jews control money and politics. These accusations are often linked to broader narratives, such as funding the immigration crisis. The attacks on specific Jewish figures such as George Soros are the "secret language" of modern anti Semitic stereotypes, allowing the narrative of "Jewish control" to spread without explicitly mentioning "Jews," making anti Semitism more covert and difficult to directly challenge. By focusing on a famous Jewish individual and linking it to a global conspiracy, potential anti Semitic stereotypes are activated, making it difficult for those who do not understand its implicit meaning to detect. This makes it a powerful and dangerous mechanism for spreading hatred.

D. The so-called control over the government and politics

The conspiracy theory of 'Jewish control' also extends to the manipulation of government and politics, often manifested through concepts such as' Zionist occupation government '(ZOG). However, in reality, the representation of Jews in American politics, although present, is not a sign of 'control'. As of 2025, there are 10 Jewish senators and 25 Jewish representatives in the United States Congress. Although this proportion is higher than the proportion of Jewish population in the total population (2.4%), it is far from reaching a majority or "control" position in the legislative body.

Organizations such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) are often cited by supporters of the "Jewish control" theory. AIPAC is a pro Israel lobbying organization aimed at influencing legislation in the US Congress regarding Israel. It has a considerable budget, engages in lobbying activities, meets with members of parliament, and organizes trips to Israel for legislators. However, AIPAC claims to be a bipartisan organization and operates within the legal lobbying framework of the United States. Despite its financial and political influence, its lobbying spending is lower than many industry lobbying groups, and although its influence is significant, it is completely different from its "control" over the government. Its activities are public and subject to regulatory constraints, which is different from the "secret" control claimed by conspiracy theories. The argument that US foreign policy is entirely influenced by Jewish interest groups, particularly regarding Israel's interests, is a common anti Semitic fallacy. This overlooks the complex interplay between national interests, geopolitical strategies, historical alliances, and various lobbying efforts that collectively shape foreign policy.

The concept of "excessive representation" in politics is often exploited by anti Semitic narratives. Although the proportion of Jewish individuals in Congress is indeed higher than that in the total population, it is a common phenomenon among groups that have achieved success in many specific fields (for example, Irish Americans in politics, Italian Americans in certain industries). The leap of conspiracy theory lies in its interpretation of this phenomenon as "evidence of illegal control" rather than a reflection of civic participation, educational achievement, or historical immigration and career development patterns. This selective highlighting and distortion aims to imply a sinister, coordinated "control" rather than legitimate participation and success within a democratic system.

Viewing organizations such as AIPAC as evidence of 'Jewish control' is a misunderstanding of the essence of the middle class in the democratic system. Lobbying is a legitimate and transparent (although often controversial) mechanism for interest groups to influence policies. Confusing lobbying with "control" implies a secret, non democratic process that aligns with conspiracy theories and shifts attention away from Washington's broader and more diverse lobbying efforts. The details of AIPAC's activities (lobbying, meetings with Congress, organizing trips) and the fact that its expenditures are lower than many industry lobbying groups have been distorted by conspiracy theorists as evidence of "control". This framework intentionally blurs the boundary between legitimate (although powerful) advocacy and illegal secret manipulation. By focusing on a lobbying group related to Jews, conspiracy theories exploit the stereotype of "behind the scenes manipulators" and ignore thousands of other lobbying groups (businesses, labor, foreign, domestic) that are also seeking to influence US policies. This selective focus aims to reinforce the anti Semitic narrative that Jews are omnipotent.

4、 Conspiracy Theory and Anti Semitism in Psychology and Sociology

Explain why people believe conspiracy theories (such as cognitive bias, control needs, distrust)

Conspiracy theories attempt to explain major events or situations as conspiracies orchestrated by powerful, secret organizations. They often breed in an environment of high distrust of authority. Psychological factors include:

• Proportional biasBelieve that major events must have significant and grand reasons, and find it difficult to accept plain explanations.

• Confirmation biasTend to seek and interpret information that supports existing beliefs, while ignoring contradictory evidence.

• The need for control and meaning constructionUncertainty, anxiety, or powerlessness, especially during periods of political turmoil or social change, can stimulate people's motivation to seek understanding of the situation, leading to a perception of conspiracy. The lack of personal control, rather than uncertainty, is the key factor.

• Psychological projectionThose who are more willing to participate in conspiracies are more likely to hold conspiracy theory beliefs.

• Other related traitsParanoia, split personality, narcissism, insecure attachment, and "delusional pattern perception". Immature emotions and low emotional intelligence are also related to susceptibility.

Sociological factors include:

• Threats and insecuritySocial conditions such as unemployment, changes in government party control, and demographic changes (such as immigration) are associated with increased beliefs.

• Partisan polarizationConspiracy theory thinking is more common among ideological followers of the ruling party who have stepped down.

• Error messages and lack of informationAlthough not the only reason, these factors also contribute to the spread of conspiracy theories.

Discussing anti Semitism as a unique form of prejudice, its accusations often contradict each other (for example, being both powerful and inferior)

Anti Semitism is a unique form of hatred that depicts Jews through contradictory logic: both "extremely powerful" and "weak or even inferior". They were accused of committing 'mutually contradictory phenomena', such as being both capitalists and communists, both introverted and globalist. Unlike other forms of racism that often emphasize the perceived weaknesses of a particular group, anti Semitism often portrays Jews as "too powerful" and "the root of all social problems. This makes anti Semites believe that they are "attacking upwards" those "omnipotent Jews" rather than "attacking downwards" those "inferior groups". This contradictory nature makes anti Semitism highly adaptable, able to be summoned and adjusted to fit the values, beliefs, and fears of specific groups and backgrounds.

The "self isolation" mechanism of anti Semitism, especially in anti Semitism, reveals that faith is not primarily driven by evidence or logic, but by underlying psychological needs for simple explanations and preconceived biases. This makes direct factual refutation insufficient to address its psychological driving factors. An effective anti Semitic conspiracy theory strategy must go beyond simple factual refutation and instead address the psychological and social driving factors that make individuals susceptible to such narratives.

The unique contradictory logic of anti Semitism (strong and weak) helps legitimize hatred across the entire political spectrum, making it attractive to both those who fear the "elite" (seeing Jews as powerful capitalists) and those who seek to resist the oppressed (seeing Jews as weak, inferior, and even communist agitators). The nature of this contradiction is not accidental, but a characteristic of anti Semitism that enables it to be adopted by different ideological groups. For the right-wing, Jews are powerful 'globalists' or' communists'; For some leftists, 'Zionists' are powerful oppressors. This flexibility enables anti Semitism to persist and find new followers, regardless of mainstream political discourse, making it a particularly insidious and pervasive form of prejudice.

5、 The practical impact of the myth of 'Jewish control'

The connection between conspiracy theories and historical atrocities (such as the Holocaust)

Anti Semitic conspiracy theories have led to serious consequences in history, including genocide, genocide, persecution, and systemic racism. The international Jewish conspiracy theory represented by the "Minutes of the Elders of Zion" is the core of the Nazi leadership's worldview and the key to their decision to initiate the "Final Solution" and lead to the Holocaust. The Nazis claimed that the 'sinister' Jewish world conspiracy 'aimed to destroy the Aryan nation and blamed the outbreak of World War II on the Jews.

The Holocaust denial theory itself presupposes a huge Jewish conspiracy aimed at obtaining economic benefits and establishing the state of Israel through historical deception. This direct correlation indicates that these theories are not harmless abstract concepts, but rather direct precursors to violence and systemic oppression. The belief in Jewish control has fueled dehumanization and fear, thereby providing justification for violence and incitement.

The increase of anti Semitic incidents, hate crimes, and discrimination in the United States

The myth of 'Jewish control' has fueled contemporary anti Semitic events. Although Jews only account for 2.4% of the population of the United States, hate crimes against Jewish communities will account for more than half of all religious related crimes in 2021. The Anti Defamation League (ADL) conducts an annual audit of anti Semitic incidents in the United States, tracking harassment, sabotage, and assault.

In 2024, ADL recorded a total of 9354 anti Semitic incidents, an increase of 5% from 2023, 344% from five years ago, and 893% from ten years ago. This is the highest number recorded by ADL since it began tracking in 1979. In 2024, there will be a significant increase in incidents of destruction and attacks (up 21% and 20% respectively). In 2024, the majority of events (58%) involve factors related to Israel or Zionism, which often occur during anti Israel protests. The anti Semitic incidents on university campuses increased by 84% in 2024, becoming the center of anti Semitic activities.

The following table lists key data on annual anti Semitic incidents in the United States:

These data intuitively demonstrate the real and escalating threat posed by anti Semitic conspiracy theories. It will shift the discussion from abstract theories to concrete acts of hatred, indicating that these beliefs have direct and measurable consequences for the Jewish community. The huge increase in the number of events (344% in 5 years and 893% in 10 years) clearly illustrates the dangerous escalation.

The real-life violent incidents directly related to the conspiracy theory of "Jewish control" include the hostage crisis at the Bethel Israel Synagogue in Coliville in 2022 and the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018. The perpetrators of these hate crimes are driven by the belief that Jews have power and influence over American institutions and policies. The spread of anti Semitic stereotypes, even in subtle ways or through "coded language," may lead Jews to feel isolated or more vulnerable, potentially suppressing their identity.

The alarming growth of anti Semitic incidents, particularly those related to Israel/Zionism and occurring on university campuses, indicates a worrying trend: rational criticism of Israeli policies is confused with anti Semitism, or vice versa, used as an excuse for anti Semitic expression, making differentiation and crackdown more difficult. This ambiguity makes the response to anti Semitism more challenging, as it may alienate potential allies and mask the true nature of hatred.

6、 Conclusion: Adhere to truth and combat anti Semitism

The universal narrative about Jewish control over America is a dangerous and historically rooted anti Semitic conspiracy theory, which has been clearly refuted by historical evidence and contemporary data. It is a lie, most notably spread by the "Minutes of the Elders of Zion", which has been proven to be forged, aimed at demonizing Jews and making them scapegoats for social ills. Fact analysis shows that the Jewish population in the United States is a minority, and their representation in the media, finance, and political fields, although noteworthy in some aspects, does not constitute "control" and is often distorted or completely fabricated by conspiracy theorists.

The persistent existence and adaptability of the myth of "Jewish control" highlights the deep-rooted nature of anti Semitism, which often employs contradictory accusations and exploits psychological weaknesses such as the need for control and confirmation bias. These beliefs are not primarily driven by evidence or logic, but by underlying psychological needs for simple explanations and preconceived biases. Therefore, effective strategies must go beyond simple factual refutation and instead address the psychological and social driving factors that make individuals susceptible to such narrative influences.

The consequences in reality are serious, as evidenced by the historical massacres and the alarming growth of anti Semitic hate crimes and discrimination in the United States today. Cracking down on this harmful conspiracy theory requires multiple methods:

• educationPromote historical literacy about anti Semitism and its origins.

• critical thinkingEncourage analytical thinking and media literacy to help individuals identify and resist conspiracy theory narratives.

• Addressing the root causeRecognize that conspiracy theory beliefs often stem from uncertainty, anxiety, or powerlessness, and address these underlying social issues.

• vigilantActively challenge anti Semitic stereotypes, whether public or implicit, and understand their dangerous implications.

This report serves as a model of critical thinking and a tool to reduce the demand for conspiracy theories by providing detailed, evidence-based analysis. It opposes the "proportionality bias" that seeks simple and grand explanations by providing rational and comprehensive explanations for complex phenomena. By providing detailed and logical alternative solutions, this report aims to meet humanity's need for meaning construction in a constructive and evidence-based manner, rather than filling this need with conspiracy theory narratives. Adhering to the truth and cultivating an informed and resilient society is crucial for combating the persistent threat of anti Semitism and preventing its destructive effects.