Zionism The Integral Component of Jewish Identity That Jews are Historically Pressured to Shed

Key Findings:

This paper illustrates the yearning for “Zion”, or Israel as an integral part of Jewish identity. Using external historical sources dating from the 13th-19th centuries, the author recounts how the concept of denouncing ties to the Land of Israel has been a part of the Jewish story for centuries, and continues in the modern day as a manifestation of antisemitism.

A key component of Jewish identity includes a yearning to return to the land of Israel and “rebuild Jerusalem”. This is what today is called “Zionism” — supporting the right of the Jewish people to self-determine in their ancestral homeland.  

Because Judaism rests on tenants that are directly tied to the Land of Israel, it is not possible to separate Judaism from Zionism, and demanding that Jews denounce their ties to Israel is, for this reason, inherently antisemitic. (According to the IHRA’s definition of antisemitism, an example of contemporary antisemitism includes anti-Zionism). This is not to be conflated with criticism of Israeli government, which often happens in the modern day. 

Returning to Israel has been an integral component of Jewish identity for centuries. The author provides a historical timeline of pilgrimages and movements to return to Israel spearheaded by Jewish leaders and communities through the centuries, citing examples between the years 1210-1840. 

Jews have been continually and consistently pressured to shed the nationalist and ethnic component of their Jewish identity in order secure safety and freedom in the diaspora. 

The author quotes The Count of Clermont-Tonnerre from the 1789 French National Assembly, among other European leaders in their deliberations regarding granting Jews citizenships to their respective countries: “The Jews should be denied everything as a nation, but granted everything as individuals… The existence of a nation within a nation is unacceptable in our country.”

In modern day progressive circles, Jewish people are excluded and demonized for expressing their support for Israel. Akin to what happened during the Enlightenment, Jewish people in the modern day are affected by this form of antisemitism.