Political Zionism and Theodor Herzl Influence

Zionism is a political organization that dated back in the Jewish and Judaism history; however, after 1897, Theodor Herzl is said to have redefined it the political Zionism, hence he is referred by historians as the father of political Zionism. From 1870 to 1897, the Hovevei Zion are said to have created the original 20 Jewish settlement in Palestine. Prior to the incident of the Holocaust, political Zionism main objective was to create a Jewish National Home along with a cultural center within Palestine, this was to assist in Jewish Migration; however, following the Holocaust, it changed its goals into formation of a Jewish State, with this objective being realized through the formation of Israel in 1948.

The influence of political Zionism has declined considerably since formation of Israel that has become stronger day after day; nonetheless, the faction continues to thrive and support the Israel policies, aiding the Jews who were persecuted while encouraging Jews to resettle in Israel. Although, most political parties continue to associate themselves with the political Zionism ideology, the present political environment does not seem to be founded on the principles of political Zionism. Irrespective of that observation, political Zionism has succeeded in increasing the population of Jews living in Israel year after year. Through the efforts of the political Zionism, Israel has remained the only state founded by a population existing in Diaspora. This research paper focuses on the history of political Zionism, the reason why Theodor Herzl played a key role in the political ideology, and an evaluation on whether its goals have been achieved.

Political Zionism

Political Zionism is an ideology that was pioneered by Theodor H...

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...lared to create the Jews National Home within Palestine. The political Zionism has greatly achieved its progress. Although not a popular movement in the present day Israel political arena, the present state of affairs of Israel owe too much to Theodor Herzl.

References

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Jeffries, J. M. N. 1967. The Balfour Declaration. Beirut: Institute for Palestine Studies.

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Stewart, Desmond, Herzl's Journeys in Palestine and Egypt" Journal of Palestine Studies, 3.3 (Spring, 1974), pp. 18–38

The Basle Program: Resolutions of the First Zionist Congress. Media East & Resources. 2005. Web. 18 March 2014.

Wein, Berel. “Political Zionism”. Jewishhistory.org. n.d. Web. 18 March 2014.