May 15, 2024
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What is Zionism?

Zionism is a political and nationalist movement that emerged in the late 19th century, advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in the historic territory of Israel, known as Zion. The movement was largely a response to the persecution and discrimination faced by Jewish communities in Europe and elsewhere.

The term "Zionism" comes from Zion, which is a biblical term for Jerusalem and the Land of Israel. The idea of returning to Zion has deep historical and religious significance for Jewish people, dating back thousands of years.

The Zionist movement gained significant momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly under the leadership of figures like Theodor Herzl. It eventually led to the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948.

There are various strands of Zionism, ranging from religious Zionism, which sees the establishment of Israel as fulfillment of biblical prophecy, to secular Zionism, which views it as a response to the need for a Jewish national identity and a refuge from anti-Semitism.

However, the movement has been controversial, particularly in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as it has led to displacement and conflict between Jewish and Arab populations in the region.

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Prof. A. K. Ramakrishnan, "Mahatma Gandhi Rejected Zionism," The Wisdom Fund, August 15, 2001

Rabbi Dovid Weiss, "Judaism: An Alternative to Zionism," Neturei Karta International, April 1, 2002

M. Shahid Alam, "Zionism: Pitting the West Against Islam," The Wisdom Fund, December 1, 2006

Stephen J. Sniegoski, "Israeli Exceptionalism: The Destabilizing Logic of Zionism," The Wisdom Fund, June 23, 2010

Alan Hart, "Final Thoughts on Zionism's Success and Arab Failure," alanhart.net, May 4, 2013

Robert Fisk, "The True Gaza Back-Story That the Israelis Aren't Telling This Week," The Independent (UK), July 9, 2014