Zionism

Zionism is a nationalist and political movement that emerged among Jews in the late 19th century with the aim of establishing and supporting a Jewish homeland in the historic land of Israel, then under Ottoman rule and later British administration. The movement arose from a combination of longstanding Jewish ties to the land, modern nationalist ideas, and rising antisemitism in Europe. Theodor Herzl is widely regarded as the father of modern political Zionism, advocating diplomatic and political efforts to secure a state for Jews in Palestine.

Zionism has encompassed diverse currents. Political Zionism emphasized the creation of a sovereign state through international recognition and institutions; cultural Zionism, associated with figures such as Ahad Ha’am, stressed Hebrew language, culture, and spiritual renewal as foundations of Jewish national life; religious Zionism linked the restoration of the Jewish people to religious beliefs and duties; revisionist Zionism, led by Vladimir (Ze’ev) Jabotinsky, argued for a more assertive, territorially expansive state and strong defense.

Institutions and milestones include the First Zionist Congress in Basel (1897), the World Zionist Organization, and the Jewish Agency, which coordinated immigration and settlement. The Balfour Declaration (1917) and subsequent British policy supported Jewish settlement in Palestine under the British Mandate. The 1948 declaration of the State of Israel followed mass Jewish immigration and war, with ongoing conflict and wars shaping the region, including the 1967 war and later developments.

Today, Zionism comprises a spectrum of political and religious viewpoints and is not synonymous with Judaism or religion. Many Jews in Israel and the diaspora identify with Zionism to varying degrees. Critics point to Palestinian displacement and ongoing conflict, while supporters argue that Zionism provides national self-determination, safety, and a cultural-religious revival for the Jewish people.