To: E. T. who wrote (7448 ) 4/4/2003 7:30:52 AM From: zonder Read Replies (2) | Respond to of 21614 zionism in the beginning (starting in about 1750 - 1800) rejected religion I don't think so. That some of its founders were not religious does not mean that Zionism, as an ideology, rejected religion. The latter is simply not true. Here is a definition:Zionism, the national movement for the return of the Jewish people to their homeland and the resumption of Jewish sovereignty in the Land of Israel, advocated, from its inception, tangible as well as spiritual aims. Jews of all persuasions, left and right, religious and secular, joined to form the Zionist movement and worked together toward these goals. Disagreements led to rifts, but ultimately, the common goal of a Jewish state in its ancient homeland was attained. The term "Zionism" was coined in 1893 by Nathan Birnbaum. us-israel.org Tell me, how many Arab countries formally accept Israel's right to exist? Am I supposed to know that? Why don't you research the subject, find out which Arab countries recognize Israel as a state, and report your findings...Not to finance Isreal would lead to its oppression from Arabs Support is not a binary thing. There are numerous stances betweeen abandoning Israel to the mercy of its neighbours and completely and unconditionally supporting it in every way. What US currently does it the latter (1). What you show as the alternative is the abadonning (0). I say there are other, more reasonable, less biased, possibilities. For example, supporting Israel selectively, but not in building more settlements into Palestinian territory. And decreasing the amount of funds available to Israel for military purposes. Such a compromise will not lead to "its oppression from Arabs", as you suggested. And the conditional, limited support from the US will greatly increase the chances that Israel will seek more peaceful ways in dealing with Palestinians.