Peter Bergamin, Lecturer at the University of Oxford, discusses the complex history of Zionism, its origins, and its impact on the Middle East. They delve into Theodore Herzl's vision, the historical roots of Zionism, immigration movements, the Balfour Declaration, the founding of Israel, and the distinctions between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism.
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insights INSIGHT
Zionism as Jewish Nationalism
Zionism is a form of Jewish nationalism arising in the late 19th century.
It was a response to rising ethno-nationalism and the exclusion of Jews from the concept of the nation.
insights INSIGHT
The Double-Edged Sword of Emancipation
Jewish emancipation was often based on liberal ideology, not genuine acceptance.
This became clear with the rise of political antisemitism, making Jewishness a racial and unalterable trait.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Herzl and the Dreyfus Affair
Herzl's experience covering the Dreyfus affair was a turning point.
Witnessing the antisemitic chants, he realized that assimilation wouldn't protect Jews from prejudice.
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Dan delves into the complex history of Zionism, exploring its multifaceted origins and the various ideological strands that have shaped it over the years. From its early beginnings in the 19th century to its pivotal role in the establishment of the State of Israel. With expert insight and analysis from Peter Bergamin, lecturer at the University of Oxford and a visiting Scholar of the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies, they examine the impact of Zionism on the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and explore how Zionism continues to influence the region's dynamics today.
Dan also hears from Rachel Cockerell who tells the story of The Galveston Movement which saw thousands of Jews escaping persecution in the lead-up to WWI, flee to Texas to establish a new Jewish homeland.
For more information, Peter Bergamin's latest book is 'The Making of the Israeli Far-Right'
Rachel Cockerell's book about The Galveston Movement is called 'Melting Point'
Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore
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