Tag: Zionism

L.A.-based comedian and writer H Alan Scott, known for his love of The Golden Girls, shared his experience visiting Israel for Tel Aviv Pride and subsequently wrote about "pinkwashing" and the BDS movement in a Newsweek article.
"The Wandering Jew Has Arrived" by Albert Londres is a reissued work shedding light on the French investigative journalist's 1929-1930 travels to Jewish communities in Europe and Palestine, highlighting the rise of anti-Semitism and his support for Zionism.
Chaim Potok's novel "The Chosen," published in 1967, remains a well-regarded work focusing on the collision of two Jewish communities through the friendship of two boys, one Hasidic and one Modern Orthodox, against the backdrop of post-Holocaust and State of Israel founding.
"Daniel Deronda" by George Eliot is hailed as a philosemitic, proto-Zionist novel that takes readers on a journey through Jewish life and thought, evoking a sense of pride and connection for Jewish audiences.
Dr. Olga Kirschbaum, a historian, delves into the intellectual circles Hannah Arendt moved in as she matured professionally in the Weimar Republic and beyond.
The Letters section of the Spring 2017 issue explores various aspects of Jewish culture and history.
In "The Story of Hebrew," Lewis Glinert presents Hebrew as a language with a rich and complex history, detailing its survival and evolution over centuries.
"Gur Alroey's book 'An Unpromising Land' focuses on the typical Jewish immigrants to Palestine in the early 20th century, highlighting that most were seeking a better future rather than being driven by strong Zionist ideals. Alroey emphasizes that the mass of immigrants were not necessarily motivated by returning to the land of Israel or part of the Zionist project. While some letters to Zionist bureaus showed minimal ideological motivations, Alroey suggests most immigrants were more concerned with economic factors. The book also delves into the daily lives of these immigrants, showcasing struggles and achievements in areas like candy-making and professional associations. Alroey's work challenges the traditional Zionist narrative and underscores the diverse motivations and experiences of early Jewish immigrants to Palestine."
Allison, Don, and Noah discuss the topics of open primaries for political parties like Meretz, the intersection of feminism and Zionism, and the implications of anti-intellectualism in a discussion about a right-wing MK who proudly admits to not having read a book in ten years.
Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook's views on culture and history reveal a nuanced perspective that transcends traditional categories like Modern Orthodoxy.
In the debate over Zionism and nationalism, a case is made for liberal Zionism as a means to understand and appreciate the constructive aspects of nationalism, drawing parallels between American and Zionist identity.
Ahron Marcus, a fascinating figure largely unknown to many, was a prominent Hasidic scholar, Zionist pioneer, and expert in ancient Judaism at the turn of the 19th century.
In this edition, Allison, Don, and Noah talk about the concept of "Alt-Zionism" and the comparisons made between White Supremacists' ethno-state dreams and Zionism.
The text discusses the concept of Jewish excellence through the lens of three influential figures: David Ben-Gurion, Leo Strauss, and Joseph Soloveitchik.
Nietzsche's views on Jews and Judaism have sparked conflicting interpretations, with some seeing him as anti-Semitic and others as philo-Semitic.
Professor Chaim Gans from Tel Aviv University delves into his book "A Political Theory for the Jewish People," aiming to find a liberal approach within Zionism, distinct from its current illiberal form and post-Zionism.
The text discusses the mainstreaming of anti-Semitism in America coming from both the political right and left, with examples ranging from online harassment to public statements from various figures.
Rashi's well-known commentary on the first verse of the Torah asserts the Jewish people's God-given right to the Land of Israel.
Nimrod Lin, a doctoral fellow at the University of Toronto, delves into the historical roots of Israel's demographic concerns within Zionism.
In 1944, American Zionism faced a pivotal moment as support for the cause shifted from a bipartisan stance to becoming a political battleground between Republicans and Democrats competing for Jewish votes.
Prof. Michael Levin discusses the significant role of Jewish-German architect Richard Kaufmann, who was hired in 1920 as the chief planner of the Zionist community and had a major influence on shaping the modern landscape of Israel.
In this edition, Noah, Alon Tal, and William Slott engage in a discussion covering the themes of managing population growth in Israel as highlighted in Tal's book "The Land is Full," raising questions about immigration policies and birth rates.
Zachary Smith discusses how contemporary Mizrahi radicals in Israel challenge the foundational principles of classic Zionism, such as rootedness and a Western orientation, as examined in conversation with host Gilad Halpern.
Dr. Tony Michels, a historian at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, talks about how American Marxists, many of whom were Jewish, shifted their attitudes towards Zionism during and after World War II.
Marc B. Shapiro explores the phenomenon of pious censorship in Orthodox Judaism, focusing on how rabbis and publishers have historically altered, censored, and covered up inconvenient truths in religious texts.