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Zionism Overview

[translate: a worldwide Jewish movement that resulted in the establishment and development of the state of Israel and that now supports the state of Israel as a Jewish homeland.] It is a political movement aimed at establishing and supporting a national homeland for Jews in Palestine, now primarily focused on the development of the modern state of Israel.

Zionism promotes the belief that Jews should have their own nation, embodying Jewish nationalism. It encouraged the return of Jews to Palestine from the Diaspora.

Historical Context and Support

Zionism gained broad support among Jewish communities and others in the early 20th century. The envisioned nation was established in the late 1940s as the state of Israel. However, this movement remains controversial, being opposed by most Arabs, related to theArab-Israeli conflict.

Recent Events and Reactions

“Zionism is a death cult that must be dealt with accordingly.”

This sentiment was expressed by supporters of Palestinians disrupting a 2023 commemoration at Pomona College, two years after the Hamas attack on Israel. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions surrounding Zionism.

When British officials exclude peaceful supporters of an Israeli team instead of confronting threats, it revives the dynamic Zionism originally aimed to overcome.

In 2017, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) distanced themselves from the strong socialist Zionism of their founders and endorsed the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, accompanied by chants of “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

Author's summary: Zionism, a movement for a Jewish homeland culminating in Israel’s establishment, continues to evoke deep support and opposition amid ongoing regional conflict and political activism.

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Dictionary.com — 2025-11-03