The prototypical Zionist in the last decades of the 19th century and the first decade of the 20th century was an overwhelmingly male operation. They were people who had the tradition deeply embedded in them, but they broke with it. Now if you want to fast forward 100 years what we can say is that the children the grandchildren and the great grandchildren of those secular Zionist founders are not familiar with those rituals. And one of the many challenges that Israel faces is how do you restore a thick sense of Jewish belonging?
As Israel turns 75, has it fulfilled the promise of its founders? Daniel Gordis of Shalem College talks about his book, Impossible Takes Longer, with EconTalk's Russ Roberts looking at the successes and failures of Israel. Topics discussed include the history of Zionism, the plight of the Palestinians, the Jewishness of the Jewish state, and the current debate in Israel over judicial reform.