Shaul Magid, expert on post-1948 Jewish Zionism and Jewish anti-Zionism, discusses the transformation of Zionism after the rise of Nazism, Jewish activism in the American New Left movement, the crisis of liberal Zionism, the evolution of liberal Zionism in relation to the Israeli occupation, the transformation of Israeli society, the defamation and delegitimization of anti-Zionists, the examination of Biden's remark and the Zionist narrative, the Zionist civil war and its impact on Zionism.
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Quick takeaways
The transformation of Zionism from a diverse ideology to a state-focused concept due to changing European conditions.
The impact of the 1967 Six-Day War on Zionist ideology and politics in Israel, including the shift towards a religious and messianic vision.
The emergence of Jewish activists embracing Black radicalism and anti-Zionism, causing a fracture within Jewish American politics.
The erosion of the Israeli left and the dominance of a more religious Zionist ideology in Israeli culture.
Deep dives
The Rise of Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain
Peter Hausen's book, Let Them Eat Crypto, delves into the social, political, and environmental costs of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. It exposes how right-wing libertarian crypto entrepreneurs exploit poverty, oppression, corruption, and conflict for their own gain. The book argues that blockchain offers false solutions and promotes surveillance and high-tech snake oil. This shocking exposé raises awareness of the negative impacts of crypto-colonial extractivism.
Jewish Zionism and Anti-Zionism in History
In this episode of The Dig, Shaul Maggheed provides insights into the historical developments of Jewish Zionism and its antagonist, Jewish anti-Zionism. He discusses the transformation of Zionism from one idea competing among various solutions to the Jewish question, to becoming a near necessity in the face of the rise of Nazism. Maggheed also highlights the shift from a diverse ideology with multiple objectives, to the concept of a state becoming the central focus of Zionism due to changing European conditions. The episode explores the impact of the creation of the state of Israel and the Palestinian Nakhba on Zionism as an ideology and a politics.
The Impact of the 1967 Six-Day War
The Dig podcast delves into the historical significance of the 1967 Six-Day War, which resulted in a swift Israeli victory, the occupation of new territories, and a shift in the nature of Zionism in Israel. Shaul Maggheed explains how this victory fueled the transformation of what was predominantly a secular Zionist project into a religious, divinely sanctified, and messianic one. He explores the consequences of this transformation, including the expansion of settlements, the question of Palestinian refugees, and the impact on the Israeli political landscape. The episode sheds light on how the 1967 war shaped Zionist ideology and politics in Israel.
Emergence of New Left Jewish Activism
This podcast episode highlights the emergence of Jewish activists, particularly in the American New Left, who embraced Black radicalism and critique of Zionism. It discusses how Jewish involvement in the civil rights movement experienced a transformative moment after the rise of Black power and the shift towards anti-Zionism. The episode explores the fracture within Jewish American politics, caused by these emerging currents of black power, anti-imperialism, and a critique of Israel. It also delves into the reactionary breaks from liberal Jewish consensus, including the neoconservative movement and the Jewish Defense League.
Impact of globalization on Israeli society
Globalization has transformed Israel into a high-tech economy, but it has also undermined the collective ethos of Zionism. The shift towards a neoliberal free market has widened the economic gap, leaving behind a poor class without the socialist safety net. With the rise of foreign workers, Israeli society has become detached from the national collective project, leading to the dominance of religious Zionism. This transformation has also led to the cultural consequences of globalization, with religion making its way into Israeli secular culture.
Weaponization of anti-Semitism
There is a concerted effort to delegitimize Jewish critics of Israel by equating anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism. Jewish anti-Zionists are often defamed as giving cover to anti-Semites, while organizations like the Anti-Defamation League seek to exclude them from the Jewish community. This weaponization of anti-Semitism intensifies the effort to silence pro-Palestinian speech and deny the Jewishness of the Palestine solidarity movement. The hyperbolic allegations of anti-Semitism are utilized to protect Israel from criticism, particularly in the face of its violent actions. The equation of anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism fuels actual anti-Semitism and undermines the fight against true anti-Semitic acts.
The future of Zionism and the Israeli left
The current right-wing government in Israel is a consequence of the erosion of the Israeli left and the disillusionment with the possibility of a two-state solution. The secular Zionist narrative has given way to a more religious Zionist ideology that dominates Israeli culture. The left-wing protest movements, while not explicitly anti-occupation, have been unable to bring about meaningful change. The future trajectory of Israeli politics remains uncertain, with the deep ideological divisions and the consensus on Jewish supremacy and violence against Palestinians. The challenge lies in envisioning a post-Zionist future and creating a state that upholds equality and democracy for all its citizens, transcending the oppressive structures of settler colonialism and apartheid.
Featuring Shaul Magid on post-1948 Jewish Zionism and Jewish anti-Zionism—including today's new generation of young, militant, left-wing, anti-Zionist American Jews and the Jewish establishment's quixotic efforts to deny and disavow them. PART TWO of a two-part interview.
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