How the Israeli government is betraying Zionism

The word “betrayal” aptly captures what Israel’s current ruling coalition is doing to the original spirit of Zionism. As many hope that the end of the war in Gaza will offer a chance for Israel to step back from this decline, the German historian of Zionism Michael Brenner reminds us what the founding fathers once envisioned when creating a democratic Jewish state.

Those founding figures — Theodor Herzl, David Ben-Gurion, and Vladimir Zeev Jabotinsky — imagined a nation grounded in democracy, justice, and self-determination. Their portraits still hang prominently throughout Israel, yet their ideals appear distant from the actions of the current leadership.

Theodor Herzl, David Ben-Gurion, and Vladimir Zeev Jabotinsky look down from the walls onto those who wield power in Jerusalem and are unable to defend themselves.

According to Brenner, never before have their ideas been so deeply betrayed within the halls of power. Under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his religious-right coalition partners, Israel has drifted away from the founding principles of Zionism. These leaders, he argues, have fostered a political climate that tarnishes the image of Zionism even among its long-standing supporters.

Critics now claim that Zionism represents racism or colonialism. Yet Brenner urges caution, emphasizing that the ideals of the founding fathers should not be held accountable for the actions of their successors.

To understand what Zionism is, we must remember what it once meant to many millions of Jews.

Author’s Summary

The article argues that Israel’s leadership has strayed from Zionism’s democratic ideals, distorting a vision once rooted in justice, equality, and Jewish self-determination.

K. Les Juifs, l’Europe, le XXIe siècle — 2025-10-30

How the Israeli government is betraying Zionism

Author’s Summary

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