This Passover, the label “Zionist” is one I willingly accept. The holiday commemorates the Jewish people’s liberation from centuries of enslavement in Egypt and their subsequent journey to establish a national identity.

The Historical Roots of Zionism

For over 3,000 years, Israel has been the ancestral home of the Jewish people, a connection sustained through generations of life and religious pilgrimages. Even before entering the Promised Land, the Jewish tribes formed a political structure and received religious laws, functioning as a nation.

The Contemporary Controversy

Today, identifying as a “Zionist” often carries a negative connotation. As a civil-rights advocate working against antisemitism, I have frequently been asked to disavow the term. I previously declined to respond, mirroring the reluctance some feel when asked to deny fundamental aspects of their identity.

A Minimalist Zionism

My Zionism is straightforward. It’s not a particularly complex ideology, and the controversy surrounding it is perplexing. The term is sometimes used as a proxy for “Jew,” as noted by Martin Luther King Jr., and I proudly embrace both identities.

Spiritual and Cultural Significance

Drawing from the Mizrachi movement, I see Israel’s flourishing as integral to Jewish spirituality. The return to Zion fulfills a historical promise, enabling the practice of good deeds tied to the land and allowing the Jewish people to pursue ideals of justice and holiness within a sovereign nation.

Ahad Ha’am and Cultural Revival

Following the philosophy of Ahad Ha’am, the return to the ancestral homeland is essential for revitalizing and sustaining a vibrant Jewish culture. This includes preserving the Hebrew language, literature, history, and ethical traditions, safeguarding Jewish identity against assimilation.

Herzl and National Self-Determination

In the tradition of Theodor Herzl, I believe Jewish sovereignty in their historic homeland is necessary for security, dignity, and self-determination. Herzl’s vision was a pragmatic response to persistent antisemitism, seeking a recognized home where Jews could live as equals.

A Shared Aspiration

Both the United States and Israel, in their own ways, aspire to be “a city upon a hill,” a moral exemplar for the world, as articulated by John Winthrop. Both nations strive, however imperfectly, to model societies grounded in moral purpose.

Embracing the Label

Whether used as an insult, a euphemism, or a cultural observation, I will proudly wear the title of Zionist. Increasingly, the term is used to target Jews themselves, with criticism of Israel often masking antisemitic sentiment. Those who claim “it’s not antisemitism, just anti-Zionism” frequently direct hostility towards Jews based on events in Israel.