Divisions 2 - Israel

 

Zionism, Pilgrimage and the State of Israel 

Israel is the land promised to the Jews by God - it is a central part of their covenant relationship with God.  The Jews promised to be faithful to God, and God agreed to give them a land and keep them safe.  However, the Jews were not faithful, and they lost the land in the diaspora (the dispersion of Jews around the world around 2000 years ago).  Further, God did not look after the Jews in the Holocaust.  This is why these apparently different ideas have been grouped together.

For more information, look at:

The following question has been asked [1997 Q5]:

(a)    Explain why the State of Israel is important to many Jews.   [8]

You should talk about: 

Zionism was a political movement to re-establish Israel as a Jewish state.  It started around a hundred years ago.  You may be asked [1999 Q4]:

(a)    Explain what is meant by Zionism and why Jews might have different opinions about it.    [8]

Try to fill in the blanks on this table, then have a look at the filled-in table

Explain what is meant by Zionism
Definition

 

When did it start?

 

Why Zion?

 

What were the aims? 

 

What motivated Herzl?  

 

Did they ever consider other countries? 

 

What happened in 1917? 

 

Who took over from the British in 1947? 

 

When was the State of Israel eventually established?  

 

What happened on the following day? 

 

Explain …why Jews might have different opinions about it   
FOR AGAINST