Zionist Agenda Changes

Zionists follow a variety of religious paths, are descended from a variety of races, and they do not always call themselves Zionists.

What sets Zionism apart from other political movements is the belief that Israel is entitled to govern its citizens with two sets of laws: one for Jews and one for non-Jews. The future of Zionism may depend on whether or not this arrangement still serves Jewish interests.

Early Zionism

There was a time when Jews had no equality before the law. In the face of despair Jews banded together, organizing into a strong political alliance called Zionism.

By 1896, Zionism was a highly-organized and worldwide political movement interested in acquiring land for their international headquarters. The merits of both Argentina and Palestine came under consideration.

It wasn't until 1914 (when Germany declared war on Russia and France to ignite the first World War) that Zionists found the necessary financial backing for their venture. At the time, Britain liked the idea of planting a European colony in the heart of the Arab world. So Britain stepped up as sponsor and selected Palestine for the site.

This is how Palestine came to be home to a new Jewish State.

Although this plan may have been well-intentioned, we now understand it was no reasonable correction. Sociologists tell us that separatist environments don't eliminate prejudice; they fuel it. People who associate with only those like themselves not only reinforce their shared beliefs, they also reinforce the most extreme points of view from those beliefs. Homogeneity shrinks perspective to the narrowest point of view.

Shifting values

After the Allied victory in 1919 Zionists began claiming they had a "right" to Palestine based on a previous occupation. And, even though the Hebrews had never occupied the whole of Palestine, now the Zionists demanded it all.

Then Christian Zionists joined the movement, quoting Old Testament passages which referred to the return of the Jews to their homeland.

Israel exists

An accurate history (as opposed to legend) explains why, in discussions about Israel/Palestine, Zionists inevitably raise the question: Does Israel have the right to exist? Since Israel already DOES exist, this question is no longer relevant.

A better question for us to consider is this: What purpose does Zionism serve today?

Jews, as a group, are no longer discriminated against. Jews win prestigious awards and are welcomed into every profession. Top universities recruit Jews and then hire them as professors or administrators. As a group, Jews have earned the world's respect. As individuals, Jews are on equal footing with everyone else - sometimes liked and sometimes not.

Jews don't have to worry about collective punishment anymore - at least no more than any other ethnic or religious minority group. The debates are over; the social transformation is complete. It took the Zionists over a hundred years but they accomplished their mission. Jews today have equal rights.

New agenda

Once Zionism succeeded in securing equal rights for Jews, the Zionists directed their attention toward a different mission - one committed to self-preservation. The alternative was to disband.

Zionists today want the public to continue associating Zionism with Judaism because Jews are well respected. It is a strategy of deception though because Zionists no longer work to improve the lives of Jews. Now, Zionists work to improve the lives of separatists.

The broken link between Judaism and Zionism becomes apparent when considering Zionist reaction to any criticism of Israel. The argument comes down to this: if you are critical of Israel, you are against all Jews. Since Israel's policies alarm many Jews, this argument makes no sense.

But this senseless argument does have a purpose. It is intended to cement in the public mind the false impression that Zionism still represents the Jews.

Future of Zionism

Zionists claim it is not possible for Israel to treat its citizens equitably. They insist Israel must favor Jews over non-Jews in order to keep the character of Israel "true."

Another way of putting it is this: When Israel ensures equal rights for all its citizens, there won't be anything left for the Zionists to do.