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Zionism is an international political movement that was originally dedicated to the resettlement of Jewish people in the Promised Land, and is now synonymous with support for the modern state of Israel. This addition to the Short Histories of Big Ideas series looks at the controversial and topical notion of Zionism from a balanced viewpoint, concentrating on where it came from, how it accomplished its goals, and why it affected so many people.

Argues that Israel is in a transitionary phase from Zionism to post-Zionism, as the original goals of Zionism have largely been accomplished. The post-Zionist Israeli state is predicted to be more committed to advancing the interests of all its citizens, regardless of ethnicity, & to become more fully integrated into the region. The status of non-Jewish Israelis is expected to improve, while the social position of non-Israeli Jews is predicted to decrease. Interests promoting & actively fighting this metamorphosis are discussed. The major cleavages in Israeli society obstructing this transition are enumerated, ie, divisions between citizens & noncitizens, Jewish & Palestinian citizens, Ashkenazi & Sephardi Jews, & religious & secular Jews. Adapted from the source document.

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.

Modernity, modernism, and modernization in Zionism -- Martin Buber, Gershom Scholem, and the nationalization of Jewish myth -- Zionism and the modernization of messianism -- "Canaanism" between Zionism and post-Zionism