Zionism can – and must – be about liberation of Jews and Palestinians | Jo-Ann Mort
We are entwined and must be liberated together. We must work to end the war and bring safety and security to both peoples
Karl Marx’s father, Heinrich, converted from Judaism to Protestantism in 1817 – later converting his eight children – because had he not done so, he would not have been allowed to practice law in Prussia. He wasn’t alone in having to change or disguise his Judaism so that he could earn a living. There was practically no other way for Jews living in Europe in the 19th century to be part of the business class without renouncing their religion.
This practice actually harkened back for eons, at least two millennia to be precise, as Jews in Europe found other ways to live, always squeezed out of mainstream society, and especially so with emerging nation states (in contrast to when the Habsburg empire controlled much of Europe, where many Jews resided, and was more hospitable to Jews). Even farther back, during the Spanish Inquisition that began in the 1400s, at least 600,000 Jews either fled or hid their identities in response to new royal edicts. Russian-controlled Jewry was forced to settle in what became known as the “pale of settlement”, today’s Ukraine, but still this didn’t save them from state-sponsored pogroms and ostracism. These are just some historic examples about why Zionism evolved.
The State of Israel will be open to the immigration of Jews from all countries of their dispersion; will promote the development of the country for the benefit of all its inhabitants; will be based on the precepts of liberty, justice, and peace taught by the Hebrew Prophets; will uphold the full social and political equality of all its citizens, without distinction of race, creed, or sex; will guarantee full freedom of conscience, worship, education, and culture; will safeguard the sanctity and inviolability of the shrines and Holy Places of all religions; and will dedicate itself to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
Jo-Ann Mort is co-author of Our Hearts Invented a Place: Can Kibbutzim Survive in Today’s Israel? She writes frequently about Israel for US, UK and Israeli publications
Continue reading...Date: |
Filter
-
‘Israelis go back to Europe?’ Some on the left need to rethink their slogans | Jo-Ann Mort
A majority of Israel’s Jews today are not descended from Europe, but rather from Arab nations. To expect them to leave Israel is unprecedented, unrealistic and wrong. Though not a prevalent catchphrase in the student demonstrations, the slogan ...The Guardian - World - Israel -
One year ago, a deadly boarding house fire shook New Zealand. We must prevent another tragedy
The Loafers Lodge blaze prompted a review of safety standards at New Zealand’s 800 boarding houses but more action is needed. One year ago, Wellington’s mayor said her city had endured one of its “darkest days” after a fire broke out at the ...The Guardian - World -
Donovan Mitchell's Cavaliers tenure could end soon, but Cleveland must embrace the lesson of his acquisition
The Cavaliers need to get ambitious and creative to get over the potential loss of Donovan MitchellCBS Sports - Sports -
2024 Eagles schedule breakdown: Ranking five must-see games, week-by-week predictions
The Eagles' 2024 schedule is hereCBS Sports - Sports -
Supreme Court accepts new Louisiana map; liberal justices dissent
The Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that a new congressional map that includes a second Black majority House district in Louisiana can be used in November after a lower court rejected that map earlier this month. The high court issued a stay on ...The Hill - Politics -
Congress grills liberal cities' school districts over antisemitism
Colleges and universities held graduation ceremonies over the weekend as pro-Palestinian protests continued on campuses across the US. Follow for live updatesCNN - Top stories
More from The Guardian
-
Putin and Xi to ‘deepen’ relationship as Russian president visits China while Ukraine war intensifies – live
The Russian president meets Xi Jinping as part of a trip that Chinese state media has described a visit from an ‘old friend’. Full report: Putin arrives in ChinaVladimir Putin has said that Russia-China cooperation is not directed against any ...The Guardian - World - China -
Slovakia PM Robert Fico out of ‘life-threatening situation’ after being shot
Suspect in custody after shooting attack on populist prime minister as deputy prime minister says Fico ‘will survive’ assassination attempt. EU leaders condemn ‘cowardly’ shooting of Slovakian PMProfile who is Robert Fico?Slovakia’s prime ...The Guardian - World -
Israel war cabinet split looms as defence minister demands post-war Gaza plan
Yoav Gallant, who Benjamin Netanyahu tried to fire in 2023, says he will not allow Israeli rule of Gaza. A long-festering split at the heart of Israel’s war cabinet has burst into the open with the defence minister, Yoav Gallant, challenging the ...The Guardian - World - Israel -
Hundreds of French police deployed amid New Caledonia riots
State of emergency in place because of deadly unrest over bill that will let French people vote in provincial elections after 10 years of residence. Armed forces were protecting New Caledonia’s two airports and port and hundreds of French police ...The Guardian - World - France -
Revealed: Magician David Copperfield accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women
A total of 16 women have accused Copperfield of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior spanning decades. More than half said they were teenagers at the time. Copperfield’s lawyers say the allegations are ‘not only completely false but also ...The Guardian - World