Zionism

You believe in the establishment and support of a secure, democratic Jewish homeland in Israel, where Jewish people can live and thrive.

Zionism is a political ideology that emerged in the late 19th century with the goal of establishing a Jewish homeland in the territory defined as the historic Land of Israel (also referred to as Palestine, Canaan, or the Holy Land). The movement was born out of the Jewish community in Europe, where Jews faced increasing persecution and anti-Semitism. Theodor Herzl, an Austro-Hungarian journalist and political activist, is often credited as the founder of modern political Zionism.

Zionism was not just a response to anti-Semitism, but also a reaction to the nationalist movements that…   were sweeping across Europe at the time. It was a call for Jewish self-determination, a chance for Jews to govern themselves in their own state. The Zionist movement sought to re-establish Jewish sovereignty in the Land of Israel, which was seen as an essential condition for the physical safety and spiritual redemption of the Jewish people.

The Balfour Declaration of 1917, issued by the British government, expressed support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine. This was a significant milestone for the Zionist movement. Following the Holocaust in World War II, support for the Zionist cause increased dramatically, both among Jews and within the international community.

In 1947, the United Nations approved a plan to partition Palestine into a Jewish state, an Arab state, and an international enclave around Jerusalem. Despite opposition from the Arab states, Israel declared independence in 1948, marking a significant achievement for the Zionist movement.

However, the establishment of Israel led to a long and ongoing conflict with the Palestinians, who also claimed the land. The Zionist movement has been criticized for disregarding the rights and aspirations of the Palestinians, leading to a complex and deeply rooted conflict that continues to this day.

It's important to note that Zionism, like any political ideology, is not monolithic. There are different strains of Zionism, including political Zionism, religious Zionism, and cultural Zionism, each with its own perspectives and goals. Some Jews and non-Jews support Zionism and the state of Israel, while others oppose it for various reasons, including political, religious, and humanitarian concerns.