Freemasonry is a global, secretive movement known for its ambiguous origins, shadowy goals, and expansive influence across borders. While many researchers consider it a Jewish-rooted organisation deeply tied to global Zionism, working to gradually dominate the world and reconstruct what it believes is the Temple of Solomon, its leaders deny this. They claim it is merely a “benevolent fraternity promoting human brotherhood and prosperity.”
Origins and Objectives
Due to the inherently secretive nature of Freemasonry, there is little agreement on its origins or aims. This movement, which calls itself the “Brotherhood of Free Masons”, claims its symbolic beginning coincides with the building of what it refers to as Solomon’s Temple, which it glorifies as its first great achievement. From this mythic project, it derived its name and its veneration of the “craft of building.”
Masonic historians argue that the “secrets of the craft” arrived in England in 926 CE, brought by early masons and skilled artisans who built churches and religious sites. These craftsmen formed the nucleus of the early Masonic movement, which from the start had a strong connection to religion and ritual.
Freemasons also proudly associate themselves with the Knights Templar, a religious-military order that fought alongside the Crusaders in their wars against Muslims, aiming to seize Al-Aqsa Mosque, which they falsely believe was built atop the “Temple of Solomon.”
In an interview with Al Jazeera (1999), John Hamill, spokesperson for the United Grand Lodge of England, openly acknowledged this link:
“Solomon’s Temple is the only structure described in such detail in the Bible. When Freemasonry was formalising in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the Bible was a major source of inspiration—so they adopted the idea of building, based on a structure mentioned in Scripture.”
Institutionally, the Grand Lodge of London, established in 1717, is considered the first global Masonic authority. Formed from the merger of four lodges, it granted itself the power to unify Freemasonry worldwide under the leadership of a “Grand Master.”
From Britain, Freemasonry spread to France in the 1720s—the very century that saw a boom in Enlightenment ideas and anti-religious philosophy. It then expanded throughout Europe and the Americas, playing a significant role in both the French and American revolutions. Colonialism later became the vehicle for spreading the movement globally.
Zionist and Jewish Connections
While Masons claim their objectives are humanitarian, critics believe these claims are merely a front. Many argue that Freemasonry is a transnational network designed to bypass nations, faiths, and loyalties—operated by a select elite aiming to control global resources and direction. Their charitable activities, some argue, are merely camouflage.
The presence of Jewish symbols, such as the Star of David and repeated references to the Temple of Solomon, strongly suggest its connection to Jewish esotericism. In fact, many believe Freemasonry acts as a covert extension of Jewish-Zionist interests on the world stage.
Dr. Hassan Hallak, a Lebanese professor of history, shared during a 1999 Al Jazeera interview a revealing quote from Yusuf Al-Hajj, a prominent 33rd-degree Mason (the highest rank in the organisation):
“Masons believe in the Torah because Freemasonry was built upon Judaism. They believe in the creation of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.”
Hallak also pointed out that Emmanuel Carasso, a Jewish Freemason lawyer, led the conspiracy to overthrow Sultan Abdul Hamid II of the Ottoman Empire in 1908. Carasso also founded one of the most influential Masonic lodges in Ottoman lands.
During the Lebanese Civil War, a document was discovered in a Masonic lodge outlining coded communications and passwords for each rank—many of them in Hebrew.
Masons dismiss all of these links as “baseless conspiracy theories,” accusing critics of exploiting the movement’s secrecy to slander it. They insist they venerate a figure they call the “Great Architect of the Universe” and encourage members to strengthen their own religious beliefs, while also promoting “universal values” such as freedom, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence—though paradoxically, they forbid political or religious discussion among their members.
Structure and Initiation
The Masonic system consists of three primary levels and 33 degrees. According to scholars of the craft, only those in the third tier are trusted with the movement’s deepest secrets, and their oath of loyalty is the most severe, with the harshest penalties for betrayal.
The United Grand Lodge of England, located in the heart of London, remains the most prestigious. It contains dozens of ritual chambers, including ones used for initiating new members and elevating existing ones. Religious symbolism is ubiquitous in these rooms, despite Freemasonry’s official claim to avoid discussions of religion and politics.
The Lodge also includes a museum that holds artifacts, historical documents, and personal items from over 300 years of Masonic history. Some rooms contain photos and files of influential Masons, including authors, musicians, royals, and heads of state.
In the same 1999 interview, John Hamill explained:
“We don’t recognise the Grand Orient Lodge in France because, since the 19th century, they’ve removed all reference to God from their rituals. Similarly, we don’t recognise the Italian Grand Orient because of its political involvement.”
The initiation ritual, often described as a transition from darkness to light, is one of the most sacred Masonic ceremonies. New initiates are often recruited through flattery, pressure, or manipulation. The ritual begins with the Grand Master invoking:
“O Great Architect of the Universe, grant mercy to this servant who seeks to share in the secrets of the Free Masons. Aid him during questioning, and strengthen him during trial… Ameen.”
The initiate then swears an oath to uphold Masonic traditions, attend meetings, and “never discuss matters of religion or politics.” The Grand Master asks:
“Do you freely choose to swear absolute loyalty to protect the secrets of this fraternity?”The candidate then kisses the “Holy Book” and is warned:“Should you betray the secrets of the Free Masons, your punishment will be death—by stabbing, hanging, or, as tradition states, complete beheading.”
Despite claims of openness—especially in Britain and the U.S.—Masons refuse to reveal their secret handshakes and passwords, and their private meetings remain strictly off-limits.
Secrecy and Global Reach
Freemasonry continues to operate under a cloak of secrecy, often obscured even from those within their own societies. Analysts argue that its goal is global dominance, achieved by infiltrating political, judicial, economic, and military institutions, as well as intellectual and cultural spheres.
Masonic lodges frequently operate under false names—as NGOs, think tanks, or social groups—enabling them to influence governments and support loyal leaders. Members, once initiated, pledge to protect fellow Masons above all others, regardless of merit or justice.
Former U.S. President Harry Truman, himself a Mason, once said:
“Countless hands shake daily. Countless fathers tell their sons: ‘When darkness falls and you are alone, seek a Mason and say you are the son of one. He will be your friend.’”
This secretive global network has led many to refer to Freemasonry as part of the “Invisible Global Government.” In nations where royal families or powerful elites are involved, Freemasonry becomes the real power behind the scenes—a “state within a state.”
In the UK, home to over 300,000 Masons, even the royal family has deep Masonic ties. Prince Edward George, cousin of Queen Elizabeth, served as Grand Master. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was also a known Mason.
In 1996, the British government urged judges, police, and council members to disclose any Masonic affiliations. But since compliance was voluntary, only about 5% came forward—leading to threats of making such disclosures mandatory by law.
In France, where the Grand Orient Lodge has existed for over 250 years, Masonic influence spans politics, judiciary, media, and academia. In Germany, the Reichsbürger Movement even claims the government is merely a façade—run by Freemasonry and globalist lobbies.
In the United States, Freemasonry enjoys its largest base—over 3 million members—spread across all 50 states. Its influence is more public and entrenched than in Europe. The annual convention in New York serves as a global Masonic summit.
Historically, at least eight signatories of the U.S. Declaration of Independence were Masons, along with 13 who signed the Constitution, and 16 U.S. presidents, including George Washington, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Harry Truman.
Freemasonry in the Arab and Muslim World
In Muslim-majority nations, Freemasonry remains cloaked in even greater secrecy. However, recent media leaks and public admissions have shed light on its presence. For example, in 2008, the Grand Lodge held a public conference in Athens, under the theme: “By Building Europe, We Build the World.”
Still, Masons claim that allegations of global control are exaggerations. They insist they forbid political or religious activity among members and respect the laws of any country in which they operate. They argue that the actions of a “few misguided members” are exploited by their critics to tarnish their reputation.
