Two sides of the spectrum on Zionism
Zionism originated in the late 19th century, and is a Jewish
nationalist movement advocating for the establishment of a Jewish state in
Israel. When reading the Washington Report discussion moderated by Emily
Bazelon, Penslar describes that the entire purpose of Zionism was to,
"establish a place for Jews who are refugees." To many of those of Jewish faith, Zionism
holds deep significance due to the historical persecution that they faced. This
movement created a homeland, and it's was to fulfill the longing for a Jewish
state of protection.
From looking at the in class readings from the book One
City; Three Faiths, ideas of Zionism is brought up multiple times. Rabbi Zadok
HaCohen Rabinowitz is a firm believer in the city of Jerusalem. HaCohen
describes Jerusalem as the "height of heights to which the hearts of
Israel are directed," (section 5). Through this description, it is clear
that the city of Jerusalem has a meaningful impact on HaCohen. However, even
though he believes in the importance of Jerusalem, he does not believe in the
idea of Zionism. In fact, he claims to be very anti-Zionist. HaCohen states
that he, “will not go up there [to Jerusalem] and join my name to those of the
Zionists,” (section 5).
On the contrary, the Basle Program from the First Zionist
Congress expresses their firm beliefs in Zionism. To the First Zionist
Congress, the aim of Zionism is to "create for the Jewish people a home in
Palestine secured by public law," (section 4). To the First Zionist Congress,
Jerusalem should be used as a political, spiritual, and cultural homeland. The
congress expresses how another aim of Zionism is, “obtaining government
consent, where necessary,” along with, “strengthening and fostering of Jewish
national sentiment and consciousness,” (section 4).
Although parties believe in the importance of this city, it
is clear that does not mean they see entirely eye to eye. HaCohen’s main argument
against the creation of the Jewish state is that the people of Jewish faith
should not migrate to Jerusalem, the Holy City, before the arrival of the
messiah- “[But before his advent] should three hundred scourges of iron afflict
me, I will not budge from my place,” (section 5). In the end, both want what is
best for their religion. They also both believe in the sacredness of Jerusalem.
However, this debate of Zionism will continue throughout people of Jewish faith
for centuries to come.
Armstrong, Karen. Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths. 1st Ballantine Books ed. New York, Ballantine Books, 1997.
Nice post about the complexities of Zionism, which has meant different things to different people at the same time and has shifted meaning over time as historical circumstances have changed (e.g. anti-zionism in the present day is not the same as anti-zionism in the pre-1948 period).
ReplyDeleteQuestion: what are the parenthetical citations citing? It looks like it's the Armstrong book, but that book isn't divided by sections.
ReplyDeleteSorry for the confusion, the citations were from the hand out in class. I thought that these quotes were from the Armstrong book so I cited it
ReplyDelete