Is the idea of a Jewish State anachronistic, based on 19th century ideology, and incompatible with 21st century values?

Essay , 2006 , 16 Pages , Grade: 1,7

Politics - Region: Near East, Near Orient

When we look at the contemporary discussions inside and outside Israel, we see a tendency to question the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish State. This criticism comes from two different perspectives. On the one hand it is questioned if a Jewish State – defined by the law of Halakha in important personal matters like marriage and divorce and in several public affairs, such as no public transportations on Shabbat - is contradicting individual rights, such as freedom of religion and women’s rights. On the other hand it is questioned if the idea of a Jewish State is compatible with the value of democracy, equal citizen rights for all citizens – including the Arab Israelis – and incompatible with human rights. This essay aims to prove that a Jewish State is an essential part of the world community in order to ensure human rights inside and outside of Israel and justified from the perspective of 21st century values.

In order to make this point, we have to examine three things: First: Are the values that led to the Zionist demand of a homeland for the Jewish people still values of the 21st century and is this demand still justified? Second: Does the Idea of a Jewish State contradict the values of the 21st century? Third: Does the reality of all civilians inside the Jewish and democratic State of Israel contradict the values of the 21st century? In this essay we will first define the term “Jewish State”, as it was defined in the early ages of Zionism by Herzl in his book “Der Judenstaat” (1896) and the Basle Congress in 1897. We refer to Herzl because he is regarded as the founder of modern Jewish nationalism, as expressed in the Zionist idea, and as the father of modern Israel.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Is the idea of a Jewish State anachronistic, based on 19th century ideology, and incompatible with 21st century values?
• Definition of “Jewish State”
• Values of the 21st Century
• Re-visiting the Right of a Jewish State to Exist in the 21st Century
• The Jewish State in the Light of Human Rights and Individual Freedom

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay argues that the existence of a Jewish state is essential to ensure human rights both within and outside Israel and is justified from the perspective of 21st century values.

• The continued relevance of the Zionist demand for a Jewish homeland in the 21st century
• The compatibility of the idea of a Jewish state with 21st century values
• The relationship between the reality of Israeli society and 21st century values
• The importance of a Jewish state in addressing anti-Semitism and ensuring the safety and well-being of Jewish communities
• The compatibility of a Jewish state with the principles of human rights and individual freedom

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• The essay begins by defining the term "Jewish State" as it was understood in the early days of Zionism, drawing upon the ideas of Theodor Herzl and the Basle Congress. It examines the historical context of the Zionist movement and its response to anti-Semitism and persecution.
• The essay then explores the values of the 21st century, focusing on Western perspectives, particularly the values of human rights, democracy, civil rights, and individual freedom. It discusses the changing nature of society from a community-oriented model to one of individualism and Americanization.
• The essay argues that the right of a Jewish nation to self-determination and a homeland is consistent with the values of the 21st century and draws parallels to the struggles of other nations for self-determination, such as the Kurds and Tibetans. It highlights the dangers of a people without a state, pointing to examples of persecution and violence faced by minority groups.
• The essay examines the historical context of anti-Semitism and its continuing existence in various parts of the world. It cites examples of contemporary anti-Semitic incidents, including attacks on synagogues, Jewish cultural institutions, and individuals, arguing that these incidents underscore the need for a Jewish state to ensure the safety and well-being of Jewish communities.
• The essay concludes by examining the compatibility of a Jewish state with human rights principles as defined by the United Nations. It examines specific articles of the International Bill of Human Rights and argues that a Jewish state can coexist with the principles of human rights and individual freedom.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The essay focuses on key topics such as Jewish nationalism, anti-Semitism, human rights, democracy, self-determination, and the concept of a Jewish state. It explores the relationship between historical events, contemporary developments, and the continued relevance of the Zionist movement in the 21st century.

• College: Ben Gurion University (Middle East Institute)
• Course: Politics and Society of Israel
• Grade: 1,7
• Author: Dipl. Paed. Kathrin Nina Wiedl (Author)
• Publication Year: 2006
• Pages: 16
• Catalog Number: V50900
• ISBN (eBook): 9783638470155
• ISBN (Book): 9783638775496
• Language: English
• Tags: Jewish, State, Politics, Society, Israel