GUIDE TO ZIONISM

Zionism is the movement supporting the re-establishment and continuation of a Jewish homeland. What that looks like comes in many forms.

What Zionism created: Israel and a homeland for Jews in a democratic state, still meant loss for Pan-Arab and then Palestinian movements that sought to pursue their own national aims that excluded or diminished Jewish involvement.  A triumph of of Zionism, the creation of the land of Israel, even when democratic and inclusive, still meant the loss of property and a home for Palestinians, some by choice and others by force, especially for those who did not want Israel to exist at all.

While this duality can be acknowledged, some Palestinians and advocates for Palestinian rights have tried to conflate Zionism with its most extreme elements.  But as we can see below. Zionism in itself does not envision diminishment or loss of rights for non-Jews. Most versions of Zionism do not view a Jewish state as being exclusive of rights for non-Jews, just like Argentina, the United Kingdom and Switzerland have state religions, but some take a view closer to Iran, Afghanistan and Algeria where religious law imposes on all residents or religious identity gives the right to vote, own property or have protection under the law.

LABOR/SOCIALIST ZIONISM

Supports establishing a Jewish state through the efforts of the Jewish working class, fusing socialist principles (like Kibbutzes) with the Zionist goal of a Jewish national home. Labor Zionism envisioned non-Jewish citizens having equal rights in society, such as education, health care, civil rights and voting.

CULTURAL ZIONISM

Cultural Zionism focused on a Jewish homeland built around Jewish culture, language and arts, not religion and as such was welcoming of non-Jews.

AMERICAN ZIONISM

American Zionism has been the maintstay of U.S. Jews support for a Jewish state, and has become more focused on American democratic ideals such as inclusion and minority rights.

REVISIONIST ZIONISM

Advocates for an aggressive, militant response to protect a Jewish homeland, prioritizing Jewish security over Non-Jews (and Palestinians)

RELIGIOUS ZIONISM

A fusion of Jewish religion and nationalism that aims to restore not only Jewish political freedom but also Jewish religion in public life. Focused on injecting Jewish law and the historical boundaries of Israel in the Old Testament (including the West Bank), it has become associated with Jewish supremacy over secular Jews and non-Jews in Israel and the West Bank (what they call Judea and Samaria).

CHRISTIAN ZIONISM

A belief held primarily by conservative evangelical Christians who believe that the establishment and expansion of the state of Israel are fulfilling biblical prophecy, particularly regarding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.