"Central to Zionist thought is the concept of the Land of Israel as the historical birthplace of the Jewish people and
the belief that Jewish life elsewhere is a life of exile."
- Prof. Benyamin Neuberger
Zionism as a movement and force is the correlation of thousands of years of hopes and dreams of returning to the Land of
Israel. Zionism's prime objective, therefore, is the resettlement of the Jewish people in their ancient homeland, the Land
of Israel, and their growth, prosperity, and security in the Land.
There are a number of driving forces behind the various different sects, both Jewish and Christian, that support Zionism.
Many Jews see Zionism as a precursor to the coming of Messiah, as do many Christians. Many Jews see Zionism simply as the
vehicle which was used to help the Jews find a solution to their persecution in their nations of exile. Many Jews and Christians
see Zionism and its success as proof that God keeps His covenant and His promises, and therefore point to Zionism as proof
for the Bible's validity.
For whatever reason, all who support Zionism are concerned with returning the Jews to their homeland and helping them to
succeed once they get there.
This is the basic, primary drive of Zionism, and it is Biblically based on such prophecies as:
For the Lord will have compassion on Jacob; He will once again choose Israel and settle them in their own land.
(Jeremiah 14:1)
Zionism is in essence an ideology. Zionism is the force behind the political success of the rebirth of the nation of Israel.
Zionism is the inspiration that gives strength to Israel's soldiers to defend their nation. Zionism is the call that has brought
millions of Jews back to their ancient homeland and implanted in them a desire to see the Land bloom once again.
Racism
Is Zionism racism? Many have accused Zionism of being a racist ideology, elevating the status of the Jews above those around
them. Nothing could be further than the truth. It is true, Zionism is primarily concerned with the welfare of the Jews in
the Jewish State. However, that no more makes Zionism racism than a love for France makes the French racist.
Zionism desires to build a strong, prosperous nation of Jewish identity in the Land of Israel, but is not opposed to incorporating
the non-Jewish inhabitants of the Land into that plan.
