Bellarmine Collegio

10/4/09 Hunter Wilson

The Jewish people have had many problems with the rest of the world for all of their existence. The Zionist movement is something that has changed the lives of many people around the world. Zionism had a major impact on the identity of American Jews in the twentieth century on both a national scale as well as an individual level. Zionism is the movement to create a national homeland for the Jewish people. The desire to move to the homeland is a key part of the Jewish religion. Many Jewish prayers and customs speak of Jerusalem, Zion, and the land of Israel; however, people interoperate this differently. Hasidic Jews believe this means that the Messiah will take them there but other believe they need to go there themselves. The Jews have been heavily discriminated against and killed or exiled for their religion. In 1478, the Spanish Inquisition took place where all Jews were forced to either covert or leave the country; this is just one of the many examples of troubles for the Jews. Theodor Herzl was the creator of the idea of Zionism and was the leader of the Zionists; he believed that the Jewish people needed to unite as one. (Herzl) We are a people- one people. The Zionist movement has caused a lot of controversy around the world. Hasidic Jews see the making of political Israel as an abomination. They believe that it must be the Messiah that will come and lead them to Israel and that the Zionists refusal to wait does not follow the Torah's commandments. The Arabs also have a problem with creating the State of Israel. They believe that the land is theirs and that the Jews should die. When Palestine was split into two parts the Arabs were very angry and attacked Israel numerous times. Egyptian President Nasser said, (Nasser) We shall not enter Palestine with its soil covered in sand. We shall enter it with its soil saturated with blood." There is still much conflict between Arabs and

Bellarmine Collegio
10/4/09 Hunter Wilson

Jews. The creation of Israel has changed the lives of many Jews in America and all over the world.

Zionism is a big conflict in the book The Chosen. The conflict of Zionism causes Danny and Reuven to split apart as friends. Reb Saunders reads that David Malter gave a speech for the Zionist cause. Reb is against Zionism and tells Danny that he cannot talk to his best friend Reuven anymore. (The Chosen p.231) Danny was not to see me, talk to me, listen to me, or be found within four feet of me. This causes both boys to become angry and sad and create a lot of hate and resentment towards each other. Reb Saunders dislikes David Malter for his views on Zionism. David Malter is very pro Zionist and does whatever he can to help the Zionist movement, because Dannys father is a supporter of Zionism Reb does not allow anyone in his family to be associated in any way with the Malters. (The Chosen p.231) If Reb Saunders even once heard of Danny being anywhere in my (Reuvens) presence, he would immediately remove me from the college. David is just sad that Reb is so closed minded, he thinks that Reb Saunders is brilliant but, too old fashioned and stubborn. Hasidism is the most important thing in Reb Saunders life. Reb likes the Malters, but his religion is so against Zionism that he hates anyone that is in favor of Zionism. The Zionist movement has largely affected the characters in The Chosen, even though they do not live in Israel. In conclusion, Zionism had a large impact on Jews in 20th century America on an individual and national level. After being discriminated against so much, the Jews finally achieved creating a homeland for themselves, this is tremendous for some people but others still have a problem with it. People have always interoperated things differently, especially

Bellarmine Collegio
10/4/09 Hunter Wilson

things about Religion. Religion has always caused controversy and Zionism is all about religious controversy. For many people religion is the most important thing in their lives, this is the case with Reb Saunders where he is totally opposed to anyone that disagrees on an issue with him. Zionism and the state of Israel has always caused turmoil and it will most likely cause even more turmoil as years go on.