Page 21 - Issue 28

POLITICAL ZIONISM emerged under the leadership of
Theodor Herzl, 1860-1904. It was a response to the misery
and persecution of the Jews in much of Europe together
with the rising tide of modern nationalism and virulent anti-
Semitism in many of the lands in which they lived. The
focus of political Zionism
was to realize physical and
economic security for Jews,
"like all the nations", in their
historic homeland. Political
Zionism sought a state for
the Jews in order to SAVE
JEWS.

Since the establishment of
Israel as an independent
state, its political fate is in
the hands of the citizens of
Israel. Hence, in the
Diaspora, political Zionism
has become pro-Israelism.
However, this does not
Theodor Herzl (1860-1904)
preclude Diaspora Jews
from expressing opinions or criticizing the Israeli
government regarding specific political decisions.

In particular, Diaspora Jews have a right and even an
obligation to express themselves on issues concerning
political decisions affecting Jewish pluralism and hence
impact on personal Jewish identity of Jews, both in Israel
and in the Diaspora.

CULTURAL ZIONISM evolved from the writings of
Achad Ha’am, and the perceived threat to the continued
viability of Judaism in the modern world. Physical and
cultural assimilation were seen as threats to both the
viability as well as the vitality of Jewish civilization. Cultural