On Zionism

Summary

Zionism grew out of nineteenth century European nationalism in the aftermath of the French revolution. It was led by Zionist ideologues who regarded the Jews as a nation in exile who should be returned to their geographical origins in the Middle East.

Zionism was unusual since it did not fit into any conventional theory about national liberation movements. It also took many forms.

Some Zionists wrote poems about the attempt to reclaim the land.

Theodor Herzl, ’the father of modern Zionism’ was a general Zionist who came from a middle-class Viennese background. Other such as Syrkin, Borokhov and Katznelson were socialists who believed in the dignity of labour in building up the country and the collectivist nature of the kibbutz. Others such as Vladimir Jabotinsky espoused nationalism and his disciples such as Menahem Begin embarked on an armed struggle, Military Zionism. Others looked to the IRA to conduct their fight against the British presence in Palestine during the 1940s.