Israel in Transition from Zionism to Post-Zionism

Abstract

Since the original goals of Zionism have largely been accomplished or are less relevant today, conditions are ripe for Israel's transition from Zionism to post-Zionism. A post-Zionist Israel—while maintaining its Jewish character and special relationship to world Jewry—would be a state primarily committed to protecting and advancing the interests of its citizens, regardless of ethnicity. In a post-Zionist Israel, the status of non-Jewish Israelis would be up-graded and the status of non-Israeli Jews downgraded. Moreover, Israel would be integrated into the region and engaged in normal, peaceful relations with its neighbors. Many forces are promoting this transition, including the peace process, changes in Israel-Diaspora relations, and the liberalization of the society. Countervailing forces stem mostly from the ultranationalist and Orthodox religious sectors in the society. To advance the transition, Israel will have to address four major divisions within the society: the divisions between citizens and noncitizens, Jewish and Palestinian citizens, Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jews, and religious and secular Jews.

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References

1. For discussions of some of the different meanings of the term, see David R. Adler , “Post-Zionism: Toward a Working Definition,” Response: A Contemporary Jewish Review, 66:7-13 (Summer/Fall 1996); and Chaim I. Waxman , “Critical Sociology and the End of Ideology in Israel,” Israel Studies, 2(1):194-210 (Spring 1997).

2. A good example here is Simha Flapan , The Birth of Israel: Myths and Realities (New York: Pantheon Books, 1987).

3. See Boas Evron , Jewish State or Israeli Nation? (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1995).

4. Yoav Peled , “The Transformation of Israeli Citizenship: Peace, Liberalization, and Resistance in the Post-Rabin Era” (Paper delivered at the Middle East Seminar, Center for International Affairs, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 20 Feb. 1997).

5. For a portrait, in this context, of Shas leader Aryeh Deri , see Yossi Klein Halevi , “The Unorthodox Politics of an Ultra-Orthodox Rebel, “ New York Times Magazine, 1 June 1997, pp. 58-60, 85.