Comments on: Defending Real Zionism

By: Tova

Tova — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 14:12:02 +0000

Everyone fails to realize that true Zionism predates Herzl and iits modern form. True Zionism was the heartfelt connection to Tzion which managed to stay alive through prayer and longing for Jerusalem and the rebuilt homeland during our entire long Diaspora. It is rather miraculous that all those thousands of years of exile and persecution did not quell the longing, and that the small flame in most Jewish hearts was not snuffed out. If we do not recognize this, then we are not discussing anything but the modern concept of Tzionut which grew out of that very miracle. In the long run of history, it it is just a part of the continuum. Tzionut also always saw Israel first and foremost as the homeland of the Jewish people, as a Jewish homeland, emphasize the Jewish – the only such Jewish land in the world. And, although there is no question that others can be part of that, the focus is first and foremost on what is best for the “klall” – the majority of those Jews.

What is today termed “the settler movement” is but a continuation of the pioneer spirit which built the modern State. Theior goal is to continue building Israel. One cannot speak proudly of the early settlers and pioneers who built the land and villify their heirs. To do so is is schizophrenic and in the end, very divisive. They continue to fulfill the Zionist dream and ideals of all the milllenia.

By: Ari Brian

Ari Brian — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:54:21 +0000

Ha. Well I was going to comment and say that I was pretty impressed with your post Ben. Its certainly a struggle to maintain the legitimacy of ‘progressive zionism’. Both in the North American discourse and here in Israel (writing to you from Ramat Gan at the moment). But its necessary also in order to show that there isn’t one sense of what that word means when its supposed to be a meaningful ideal. Also, since it began as an ideal that was bigger than just a jewish state, but instead a certain kind of state with values far from those often shown by the current political entity, than its pretty blasphemous (haha) for someone to pigeon-hole it into just supporting the actions of Israel.

I also very much know that because much of the discourse doesn’t leave room for this kinda of ‘thought’ that it can feel pretty lonely, alienating, and difficult to hold on and ‘Defend real zionism’. So its good to know that your supported. I work everyday with both north americans and israelis who aim to uphold and support what we see as the real values of zionism. And really that means working to better life both here in Israel (more justice, less racisim, love for your neighbor and community regardless of their skin color or family heritiage or (gasp) nationality/religion, that sort of thing), and in the discourse surrounding it inside and outside of the country. Hang in there Ben, theres a lot of ‘progressive zionists’ out there who agree with you and are working towards it. Many would love to be able to be proud of Israel. But recognize that the current country is a long way from that point just yet. Keep on pushing. A’v'H

By: Adam

Adam — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:32:10 +0000

Did you just ridicule someone for saying what “real” zionism is, then use a single definition to define zionism? How delightfully contradictory.

Also, did you just claim that “you israelis like to place jews in a hierarchy and make us fight for who can be the best.” Because I’m pretty sure my Israeli father would be quite offended by such comments. Pretty reductive and hurtful to say about a whole group of people. Furthermore, do you really see no humanistic or peace loving trend within the whole Zionist movement? None at all. Is there only settlers for you? Are you really allowing BB to define millions of peoples beliefs?

By: Tildon Katz

Tildon Katz — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 16:50:17 +0000

all of you yids are nuts!
the real zionism? the legitimate herzl voice? hunting israeli soldiers?

let’s all take a seat and cool down.
first, to the author – who are you to say what is real or false zionism?
next, to my fellow commentors, both israelis i’m sure — regardless of anything that zionism meant up until now — zionism today is in its essence, a right-wing, racist, expansionist, imperialist ideology, manipulated to fit the needs of israelis who work their own ‘terrorism’ (a vicious euphemism) into a 5000 year narrative of jewish perseverance and struggle — i got news for you

zionism will be the death of your facist great society

by the way, i’m a god-loving, practicing Jew, grandchild of holocaust survivors — thought i should mention it since you israelis like to place jews in a hierarchy and make us fight for who can be the best

By: ISRAELI

ISRAELI — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:00:58 +0000

The nif are hunting israeli soldiers and hurming the secure of israel and its right to defence.
Im Tirtzu are the new realistic normal wind in Israel. most of the Israelis are behinde them!

By: Shmuel Cohen

Shmuel Cohen — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:01:51 +0000

It is funny to read your article.
I can’t believe that you believe what you write.
You are attacking IM TIRTZU and not the arguments of IM TIRTZU.
Just for your information, besides probably that 3% percent that represents MERETZ and the extreme left, the vast majority of Israel shares IM TIRTZU perception.
To call the majority extreme right is funny, and not logic and not true.

By the way, during the last years talking with Progressive Jewish Americans I have always being said that it is not PC to say that you are Zionist, that progressive Americans perceives someone that claims that he is Zionist as a right-wing.

NIF is putting itself outside the Zionist movement. If you like or not, IM TIRTZU represent the legitimate Herzl voice.