Snopes.com, the myth-busting site that’s been debunking internet-era myths since 1994, is asking for donations for the first time in its history. As the result of a protracted legal battle between its former web contractors, Snopes is asking for donations of $10 or more to help keep the site afloat.

“Dear readers,” the plea reads, “Snopes.com, which began as a small one-person effort in 1994 and has since become one of the internet’s oldest and most popular fact-checking sites, is in danger of closing its doors. So, for the first time in our history, we are turning to you, our readership, for help.”

In the meantime, we take a look back at our favorite myths about the Jewish people and Israel, finally debunked for all the internet to see.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

MYTH: “The soles of Vans brand shoes are adorned with the Star of David so that wearers will ‘stomp on Jews.’”

FACT: Actually, the “honeycomb shape of that portion of the sole provides more secure footing for the skaters who have come to favor this brand,” according to Snopes, and has nothing to do with the Jews! They even cite an Anti-Defamation League statement confirming their discussion on the matter with Vans.

MYTH: When the Nazis occupied Denmark, they forced all Jews to begin wearing a yellow star. Soon, King Christian X of Denmark and non-Jewish Danes began to wear the star in solidarity.

FACT: A nice story, but no dice. Though many Danes went to great ends to protect the Jews among them, this story in particular may stem from an off-hand comment made by a former Danish prime minister to a Swedish newspaper.

MYTH: “Angelina Jolie hates Israel and wants “those people” eradicated.”

FACT: Thank God, this one’s a fake. A chain email asserting Jolie’s hatred for the Jews circulated during the lead-up to the release of her 2007 movie, “A Mighty Heart,” where she played the wife of murdered Jewish journalist Daniel Pearl. From the email:

“PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO EVERY ONE WHO LOVES AMERICA AND BELIEVES THAT ISRAEL MUST SURVIVE FOR MANKIND TO SURVIVE”

MYTH: “Sexpert Dr. Ruth Westheimer served as a sniper in Israel.”

FACT: Actually, kind of true! World-famous sex psychologist Dr. Ruth, then just Karola Ruth Siegel, was 16 years old when she joined the Haganah as a sniper in 1944. However, she says she never shot a soul.

MYTH: Delta Air Lines banned Jews and Bibles from their flights after entering into a partnership with a Saudi Arabian airline.

Fact: Come on.

Contact Jesse Bernstein at [email protected] or on Twitter, @__jbernstein

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount