Unpacking Israeli History Dreyfus: An Affair to Remember
Sep 8, 2020
Noam Weissman delves into the Dreyfus Affair, highlighting its role in the rebirth of Israel. He explores the injustice faced by Alfred Dreyfus, the rise of Zionism, and the lasting impact on Jewish identity and anti-Semitism. A captivating unraveling of a pivotal moment in history.
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The Dreyfus Affair Begins
- In 1894, a maid found a note suggesting a French artillery officer was leaking secrets.
- The French military quickly suspected Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer, despite weak evidence.
Herzl's Realization
- Herzl, witnessing the Dreyfus Affair's antisemitism, realized assimilation wouldn't protect Jews.
- This led him to advocate for a separate Jewish state, an idea that became Zionism.
Dreyfus's Public Degradation
- Dreyfus was convicted with flimsy evidence and publicly humiliated.
- Herzl witnessed the anti-Semitic spectacle, further solidifying his Zionist views.