You are totally correct about how Zionism "others" Jews; it's inherently an antisemitic ideology as it denies Jews their agency and self-determination. I wrote a similar article recently too, glad to see we're not alone in promoting this line about what Zionism really is. Did you know most Zionists are actually Christians, by the way?
Christian Zionism is a super interesting topic that I unfortunately didn't have enough time to go into in this piece. It's really crazy that the biggest Zionist support in the US comes from Evangelicals, who think all Jews are sinners that will go to hell. Once people realize that, it will really changed how they view the Zionist cause.
It definitely put some things in perspective when I learned that myself, + everything you wrote about already about how Herzl was an atheist and called Israel a colonial project
Interesting historical perspective and well written but you do not mention the development and funding and rule of terrorist groups like Hamas or Hezbollah. In light of the attack that sparked the current crisis, I feel there’s much more to your explanation that needs discussion.
Yes, I felt the story of Hamas (and to a lesser degree Hezbollah) would require it's own 4,000 word article. Unfortunately, there's just so much history in the region (much of it tragic) that I didn't have the space to cover it all.
That said, Jonathan Katz recently wrote a piece called "How Hamas Came to Power." I haven't read it yet, but I'm a big fan of Mr. Katz, so I'm sure this should provide insight into the group.
This conflation of the two is what often leads to discussions by well-meaning people getting derailed, unfortunately. Did not know about how the early Zionists were courting colonial powers for a separate state, that is an interesting dynamic.
I believe the colonial backing of the Zionist project by the parent state (US/UK) was always crucial to its existence. Without the US military support, it's likely Israel would not have won the Arab-Israeli War. It also would not be able to block the many condemnations from the UN, which would have had a true impact on its relationships with other countries.
An excellent read about the origins of modern Zionism. Throw in the right wing Ultra-Orthodox Israelis who want to define who is Jewish and their support of corrupt Bibi as well as the right wing American Christians who believe in end of the world scenarios involving Israel and it become obvious that religion and politics don't mix well. I truly wish for peace. It's a shame, a shanda. It sickens me that the USA gives aid unconditionally to Israel when there are so many human rights violations.
You hit on the modern politics around Zionism, specifically Evangelical support. I didn't have the space to go into it, but people need to realize the reason Evangelicals support Israel is because it will trigger the end times. There's so much flawed about this ideology.
You are totally correct about how Zionism "others" Jews; it's inherently an antisemitic ideology as it denies Jews their agency and self-determination. I wrote a similar article recently too, glad to see we're not alone in promoting this line about what Zionism really is. Did you know most Zionists are actually Christians, by the way?
Christian Zionism is a super interesting topic that I unfortunately didn't have enough time to go into in this piece. It's really crazy that the biggest Zionist support in the US comes from Evangelicals, who think all Jews are sinners that will go to hell. Once people realize that, it will really changed how they view the Zionist cause.
It definitely put some things in perspective when I learned that myself, + everything you wrote about already about how Herzl was an atheist and called Israel a colonial project
I'm glad you found this article valuable!
Interesting historical perspective and well written but you do not mention the development and funding and rule of terrorist groups like Hamas or Hezbollah. In light of the attack that sparked the current crisis, I feel there’s much more to your explanation that needs discussion.
Yes, I felt the story of Hamas (and to a lesser degree Hezbollah) would require it's own 4,000 word article. Unfortunately, there's just so much history in the region (much of it tragic) that I didn't have the space to cover it all.
That said, Jonathan Katz recently wrote a piece called "How Hamas Came to Power." I haven't read it yet, but I'm a big fan of Mr. Katz, so I'm sure this should provide insight into the group.
https://theracket.news/p/how-hamas-came-to-power
This conflation of the two is what often leads to discussions by well-meaning people getting derailed, unfortunately. Did not know about how the early Zionists were courting colonial powers for a separate state, that is an interesting dynamic.
I believe the colonial backing of the Zionist project by the parent state (US/UK) was always crucial to its existence. Without the US military support, it's likely Israel would not have won the Arab-Israeli War. It also would not be able to block the many condemnations from the UN, which would have had a true impact on its relationships with other countries.
well done
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it
So true. Thank you for the link. I will read it!
An excellent read about the origins of modern Zionism. Throw in the right wing Ultra-Orthodox Israelis who want to define who is Jewish and their support of corrupt Bibi as well as the right wing American Christians who believe in end of the world scenarios involving Israel and it become obvious that religion and politics don't mix well. I truly wish for peace. It's a shame, a shanda. It sickens me that the USA gives aid unconditionally to Israel when there are so many human rights violations.
You hit on the modern politics around Zionism, specifically Evangelical support. I didn't have the space to go into it, but people need to realize the reason Evangelicals support Israel is because it will trigger the end times. There's so much flawed about this ideology.
Really thorough and thoughtful piece
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I can’t emphasise enough how much I appreciate this post. Excellent! Thanks for writing.
Thank you for your kind words, Laleh! I'm so happy to hear you appreciated this!
Of course! Shared it on my blog here: https://open.substack.com/pub/damselindistress/p/how-beautiful-we-were-bezzle-and?r=8jyjo&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
Thank you! I really appreciate that :)