Dig: Zionism vs. Anti-Zionism Ep. 2 w/ Shaul Magid
Dec 15, 2023
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Shaul Magid, an expert on post-1948 Jewish Zionism and Jewish anti-Zionism, discusses the growing left-wing anti-Zionist movement among young American Jews, the impact of Israel's victory in the Six-Day War on Zionism, the divide among left-wing Jewish Americans on Zionism and anti-Zionism, the neoliberalization of Israel, the weaponization of anti-Semitism to silence criticism of Israel, the contradictions in the Zionist narrative, and the ongoing Zionist civil war within Israel.
The emergence of anti-Zionism among young American Jews represents a seismic intergenerational conflict within the American Jewish community.
The illiberal nature of the Israeli state and its policies has made it increasingly difficult for liberal Zionists to reconcile their support for Israel with their commitment to liberalism.
Philip Roth's non-Zionist diasporism reflects a generation that grew up with access to diverse information and a sense of integration but not assimilation, challenging previous generations' perspectives.
The weaponization of anti-Semitism serves to undermine the Jewishness of Palestine solidarity and anti-Zionist movements, aiming to silence Jewish critics and preempt criticism of Israel.
Deep dives
The Rise of Anti-Zionism Among Young American Jews
The past decade has seen a significant shift among young American Jews towards a skepticism of Zionism or even full-throated anti-Zionism. This shift can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the widespread access to information and diverse perspectives through the internet has allowed for a broader understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Secondly, the increasingly right-wing nature of Israeli society and the failure to achieve a two-state solution has led to a disillusionment with liberal Zionism. Thirdly, the rise of progressive movements like Black Lives Matter and the critique of systemic racism has encouraged young American Jews to examine Israel's treatment of Palestinians through a critical lens. Lastly, the broader context of a resurgent political radicalism, focused on anti-racism and the critique of capitalism, has also influenced young American Jews to question Zionism's complicity with oppressive systems. Overall, the emergence of anti-Zionism among young American Jews represents a seismic intergenerational conflict within the American Jewish community.
The Crisis of Liberal Zionism
Liberal Zionism, once viewed as a viable solution for a Jewish state in Israel, is currently facing a crisis. The illiberal nature of the Israeli state and its policies has made it increasingly difficult for liberal Zionists to reconcile their support for Israel with their commitment to liberalism. The roots of this crisis can be traced back to the origins of liberal Zionism in America, which aligned the liberal ethos of American society with the Zionist project. However, the current reality of an occupation, along with a lack of meaningful progress towards a two-state solution, has exposed the contradictions and challenges of liberal Zionism. This crisis has led to a reevaluation of liberal Zionist perspectives, with some attempting to shrink the occupation but ultimately falling short of addressing the fundamental issues. As a result, many young Jews, particularly those with progressive orientations, are rejecting liberal Zionism and seeking alternative perspectives that align better with their values.
The Non-Zionist Diasporism of Philip Roth
Philip Roth's novels, such as his non-Zionist diasporism, represent an alternative perspective within American Jewish culture. Roth's characters embrace an integrationist approach, focusing on cultural Jewishness rather than Zionist ideology. This non-Zionist diasporism reflects a generation that grew up with access to diverse information and a sense of integration but not assimilation. While some argue that Roth's perspective lacks historical context or an understanding of prior Jewish trauma, it is essential to recognize that the experience and perspective of young Jews today differ significantly from previous generations. For these young American Jews, critical examination of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and a rejection of liberal Zionism are part of a broader progressive ethos that challenges systemic racism, capitalism, and other oppressive systems.
The Evolving Landscape of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has evolved significantly in recent years, contributing to the shift in perspectives among American Jews. Factors such as the access to diverse information and critical analysis, the failure to achieve a two-state solution, the rightward shift in Israeli society, and the rise of progressive movements have all played a role in shaping the discourse. The growing awareness of the complexities and injustices inherent in the conflict has prompted young American Jews to question previous narratives and develop a more critical understanding. This evolving landscape has given rise to alternative perspectives, including a rejection of liberal Zionism and a greater focus on issues of social justice and equality for all parties involved.
Neoliberalization of Israel and the Transformation of Zionism
The neoliberalization of Israel challenges the core principles of Zionism as a collective Jewish self-determination built on democratic socialist ethos. The transition from a collective, socialist society to a neoliberal, capitalist one has led to a rise in wealth disparity and the loss of a socialist safety net for poorer classes. The influx of foreign workers, such as Filipino and Thai laborers, has replaced manual labor previously done by Israelis and Palestinians. The neoliberalization of Israel has also created an ideological vacuum, which has been filled by religious Zionism, both among religious Zionists and even secular Jews, resulting in a dominant religious Zionist ideology.
Weaponization of Anti-Semitism and the Silencing of Jewish Anti-Zionists
Anti-Zionism and Jewish anti-Zionists have been subject to defamation and delegitimization, with efforts to equate anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism. The weaponization of anti-Semitism has intensified, particularly in the face of criticism and opposition to Israel's actions. This has created a chilling effect on Palestinian solidarity speech and attempts to silence Jewish critics of Israel. The equation of anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism serves to undermine the Jewishness of Palestine solidarity and anti-Zionist movements. This weaponization is driven by the push to preempt criticism of Israel and delegitimize Jewish critics, even within the Jewish community itself.
The Challenges of a One-State Reality and the Search for a New Narrative
The podcast explores the complexities of a one-state reality in Israel and Palestine. The idea of a one-state solution challenges prevailing Zionist narratives and envisions a single democratic state for all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or religion. This alternative requires a shift away from traditional Zionist principles and a reimagining of Israeli identity. However, the path to such a solution is uncertain, given the deep divisions and entrenched narratives in Israeli society. Moving beyond Zionism may open up possibilities for a confederate-like system or a redefined Israeli identity that recognizes the equal rights of all citizens while respecting diverse religious and secular institutions.
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.
