The Zionist Ideology

"A Jewish state in Palestine with as much land, as many Jews, and as few Palestinian Arabs as possible"

Zionism, originating as a response to European anti-Semitism, was initially framed as a quest for safety and self-determination for Jewish communities. Yet, the ideology evolved, with interpretations ranging from peaceful aspirations to militant practices, and its real-world consequences for Palestinians cannot be ignored.

From Coexistence to Dehumanisation
In its early stages, figures like Ahad Ha’am envisioned a Jewish homeland built on cultural preservation and peaceful coexistence with Palestine’s indigenous communities. This approach, while idealistic, largely ignored the inherent colonial dynamics of settling a land already inhabited by others. Cultural Zionists hoped to revive Jewish identity without resorting to displacement or violence. However, their vision failed to address the growing political ambitions of their movement.

Ahad Ha’am (18/8 1856 - 2/1 1927)

Theodore Herzl, often regarded as the father of modern Zionism, exemplified the shift towards pragmatic, Eurocentric natio…