Ancient Conspiracy Theories: The Age-Old Strategy of Fear

Rabbi Shay Tahan

In the modern era, we are quite familiar with conspiracy theories—some people believe them, while others do not. The purpose of this article is neither to support nor oppose conspiracy theories, but to show that while these theories may seem relatively new, studying the Chumash reveals that, as King Shlomo said in Kohelet, “there is nothing new under the sun.”

Reduce the global population

For instance, there are those who believe in a movement among world leaders with an agenda to reduce the global population.

The theory that world leaders aim to reduce global population suggests an elite agenda to control population numbers via policies related to public health, sustainability, or crisis management. Often rooted in mistrust, this belief interprets global initiatives as veiled efforts to limit population growth.

Some conspiracy theories allege that vaccines are used as a means of population control by reducing fertility rates or causing health issues to limit population growth. Proponents claim that ingredients in vaccines or specific vaccination programs are covertly designed to impact fertility, particularly in lower-income countries.

The episode involving Cham and Noach is a significant yet troubling moment in the biblical narrative. After the Flood, Noach cultivated a vineyard, became intoxicated, and lay uncovered in his tent. Cham, one of his three sons, discovered his father in this vulnerable state and chose to inform his brothers, Shem and Yefet, rather than act with respect and dignity.

The Torah does not specify the exact nature of Cham's actions, leading to various interpretations in rabbinic literature. Rashi suggests that Cham mutilated his father Noach. According to Rashi, Cham's motivation stemmed from his belief that Noach, having already fathered three children, was planning to have a fourth, which he deemed excessive for the world’s population. Cham recalled that Adam had only two children, one of whom killed the other, leading him to conclude that three children were already too dangerous for the safety of the world.

Global warming

Another example is global warming which refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. While the majority of climate scientists agree that global warming is real and poses significant environmental risks, some individuals and organizations dispute its existence or severity. Opponents often argue that climate change is a natural phenomenon, question the reliability of climate models, or emphasize the economic costs of addressing it, framing their resistance as a defense of personal freedoms and economic growth.

Those who support the view that global warming is a critical issue suggest reducing greenhouse gas emissions through regulations and incentives, transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind, and promoting energy efficiency in homes and transportation. They advocate for carbon pricing to hold polluters accountable, emphasize conservation and reforestation to enhance carbon absorption, and encourage public awareness about climate change. Additionally, they call for international cooperation through global agreements to unite countries in combating climate change.

In the story of the Dor Haflaga, found in Parashat Noach, humanity united in an ambitious attempt to build a tower, known as the Tower of Babel. Their goal was to reach the heavens and prevent another divine flood. They believed that by constructing this towering structure, they could establish a foothold in the heavens; thereby supporting it and ensuring it wouldn’t collapse or be destroyed.

After experiencing the Flood of Noach, they concluded that the sky collapses approximately every 1,600 years. To prevent this from happening again, they devised a plan to support the heavens with structural supports.

Anti-Semitism

Though not directly from our parsha, one of the most infamous conspiracy theories worth mentioning is the age-old claim that the Jewish people are covertly maneuvering to control world affairs and ultimately dominate the globe. This myth was most notoriously detailed in The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a fabricated document that falsely portrays Jewish leaders as scheming for global control. This work has fueled centuries of anti-Semitic ideology and has been thoroughly debunked, yet its baseless claims continue to resurface, reminding us of the enduring power of conspiracy theories to distort perceptions and incite fear.

Pharaoh used a similar conspiracy theory to incite fear and mistrust toward the Jewish people in Egypt. In Shemot (1:9-10), Pharaoh warns his people that the Israelites are becoming "too numerous and too mighty," suggesting that, in the event of war, they could join Egypt’s enemies and "rise up from the land," undermining Egyptian control.

Pharaoh's rhetoric painted the Jews as a potential fifth column—a group secretly plotting against Egypt. This claim, although unfounded, gave Pharaoh the pretext he needed to oppress the Israelites, turning public sentiment against them and justifying harsh measures, including forced labor and infanticide. By casting them as a dangerous and untrustworthy population, Pharaoh’s conspiracy theory laid the groundwork for systematic oppression, setting the stage for their eventual enslavement.

This ancient example illustrates how conspiracy theories have historically been used by leaders to manipulate and mobilize public opinion, often with devastating consequences for marginalized groups.