In Theodor Herzl's The Jewish State, Herzl argues that the creation of a Jewish homeland would lead to an end in anti-Semitism. Reflect on Herzl's thinking and answer the following questions:
(1) We know that anti-Semitism still exists in the world. Does that mean that Herzl was wrong? Is there a way to view Herzl as being correct despite the continued existence of anti-Semitism?
(2) What has a Jewish state accomplished in terms of the standing of the Jews in the international community? Give two examples that illustrate your point.
I think that Herzl was both right and wrong. He was not exactly incorrect, but he was also very far from correct. I think that the creation of the Jewish state heightened Antisemitism among some groups, but also diminished it from others. The creation of Israel definitely caused some tension in the Arab and Muslim communities, but it showed other countries that the Jews are indeed a nation and that we deserve our own homeland. So Herzl was wrong when he said the creation of a Jewish state would end Antisemitism as a whole, but if he meant it as a gradual process, then maybe he could still be correct.
ReplyDeleteWe've seen plenty of examples from the Arabs and Muslims of their hate towards Israel. They began a war basically moments from when it was first established! However, we also saw "sympathy" (for lack of a better word) from the Soviet Union, which was the first country to recognize Israel's existence.
Herzl was neither mistaken nor correct in his argument. Herzl viewed the Jewish problem from the prism of a territorial issue. He believed that if the Jews were to leave Europe, the problem of anti-Semitism would disappear. Herzl had hopes that anti-Semitism would cease. He did not have a definite answer. Based on the reality we face, we realize that anti-Semitism is not a territorial issue. Rather, it is on a much larger scale, that consists of animosity, preconceived ideas, and prejudice.
ReplyDeleteSince the establishment of the state of Israel, we have achieved a position in the international community. One example is found on a national level. We now have a sovereign state with an army, economy, and social and judicial system. The international community must view us as a legitimate country. As Israel is represented in the United Nations, we have a role in world affairs, and participate on committees that decide on many important global issues.
The fact that Anti-Semitism still exists does not mean Herzl was entirely wrong in his belief. Having our own Jewish state is certainly a step in trying to end Anti-Semitism. With our own state, and the ability to make political decisions and have standing in worldly affairs gives us a chance to gain the respect of the world. It gives us the ability to be recognized and appreciated by everyone else. This type of respect gained from having our own state can be critical in trying to put an end to Anti-Semitism.
ReplyDeleteIsrael definitely has international standing. Right before the Israeli elections I turned on the television and on the screen was a talk show. It was educated Americans discussing and arguing about the candidates and parties in the Israeli election. You don't often turn on the tv and hear people discussing the Zimbabwean elections, do you? Clearly what's going on in Israel is important enough to discuss on an American talk show. This alone says a lot about Israel's importance to the international community.
Israel is ranked fourth in the world in scientific activity. These scientific accomplishments, as well as many other accomplishments, showcase the talents of not only Israelis, but Jews as a whole. This gives Jews a good reputation. Having Israel as a means of contributing medically, scientifically, etc. to society and to the world can be incredibly helpful to the plight of the Jewish people. Again, this contribution to the world can facilitate peoples' respect of Israelis and the Jewish people in general.