The Overcoming of Exile: A Look at Zionists' Guiding Principle

Zionists aimed to overcome exile and establish a self-sufficient nation. The early Zionists desired a plantation system with Jewish comfort supported by native labor. However, this colonial approach was not sustainable, as a true nation requires its own industries, farmers, writers, and teachers. The goal was for the Jewish community to be self-reliant and independent, capable of survival even if cut off from others. The labor Zionists, following the plantation generation, were particularly concerned about avoiding reliance on others. They aimed to escape the exile lifestyle where Jews were predominantly bankers, lawyers, and traders, without any farmers or miners.