| Zionism is based on neither religion nor race, but on historical association with the Jewish community. Yes, religion was instrumental in the preservation of that community, but Zionism was a nationalist alternative to religion as the bond. The early Zionists, like those that founded the kibbutzim, were usually atheists and socialists. Other early Zionists were not very observant, the equivalent of "Easter Catholics". As for race, just as an Indian from the Yucatan and a black from Santo Domingo may be considered Hispanic, Jews from Ethiopia or India or China are Jews. Now, it is true that religious criteria are used in part to determine the right of return, because of the inordinate weight given small parties in the Knesset, but most Israelis deplore the situation, and it is likely to be corrected. I will check the precise law in a moment, to make sure of the details. As for the opening of Israel to Arab return, it is not possible. Arabs have been too intransigent, and the mutual suspicion is too great. The Arabs would not seek any accommodation with the Zionists, but intended to drive all of them into the sea, from the beginning. If you want to blame Jewish nationalism, fine, but only if you blame Arab nationalism as well. Of course, there is an implicit double standard: the Jews were supposed to respond angelically to Arab attack and support of the Axis, while the Arabs cannot be blamed for a bloody- minded response to a rather small Jewish presence in the Middle East....... |
