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Zionism originally referred to a nationalist political movement dedicated to reestablishing the [[Israel|Jewish state]] in the British Mandate of [[Palestine]]; the term now connotes political support for the Jewish State. The movement was started in the late nineteenth century by [[Theodor Herzl]], and in 1948 the modern state of [[Israel]] was established on a piece of land granted by the [[United Nations]] with the support of [[Great Britain]], the nation which had formerly controlled the land under a [[League of Nations]] mandate.

Zionism originally referred to a nationalist political movement dedicated to reestablishing the [[Israel|Jewish state]] in the land of Israel, which at the time was part of the British Mandate of [[Palestine]]; since this movement realised it's aim in 1948 the term now connotes political support for the continued existence of this Jewish State. Although Jews have been returning to their homeland throughout the last two thousand years, the movement in it's modern guise was started in the late nineteenth century by [[Theodor Herzl]], and in 1948 the modern state of [[Israel]] was established on a piece of land granted by the [[United Nations]] with the support of [[Great Britain]], the nation which had formerly controlled the land under a [[League of Nations]] mandate.

Not all Jews are Zionists: Ultra-religious Jews, such as the [[Neturei Karta]] sect, are [[Anti-zionism|anti-Zionist]] for theological reasons. Recently, Zionism has gained influence among American Jews resulting in what some have dubbed the Israel Lobby. The term is used to refer to the numerous pro-Israeli interest groups such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee which some believe to have an excessive amount of influence over US policy. Although many who are opposed to the Israel Lobby have a problem with the power of interest groups and lobbying organizations in general, not just the Israel Lobby.  

==Opposition to Zionism==

==Opposition to Zionism==

The [[Palestinians]], many of whom lost - or fled -  their homes during the unrest that followed the establishment of the Israeli state are among those opposed to its existence, as are many [[Arabs]] who are allied with them. Among Jews, the orthodox Neturei Karta group opposes Zionism as [[blasphemy]]. Zionism was formerly opposed by some European Jews who feared that the creation of a Jewish state would cause them to lose their influence (such as ownership of newspapers and real estate), as such control could not be exercised if many Jews migrated from Europe to Israel. Opposition also comes from some [[racist|anti-racists]], who oppose Zionism's promotion of Jewish racial identity.  

The [[Palestinians]], many of whom fled during the unrest that followed the reestablishment of the Israeli state are among those opposed to its existence, as are many other [[Arabs]] who are allied with them. A very small minority of religious Jews, most prominently the [[Neturei Karta]] sect, are [[Anti-zionism|anti-Zionist]] for theological reasons. Zionism was formerly opposed by some European Jews who feared that the creation of a Jewish state would cause them to lose their influence (such as ownership of newspapers and real estate), as such control could not be exercised if many Jews migrated from Europe to Israel. Opposition also comes from some claiming to be "[[racist|anti-racists]]", saying that they oppose Zionism's promotion of Jewish national identity.  

In the often tendentious debates over the Arab-Israeli question many so called "anti-Zionists" claim that there is a distinction between opposition to Israel and [[Anti-Semitism]]. In practice, however, outside of a very small minority of Orthodox Jews who oppose Zionism for religious reasons, anti-Zionism almost always goes hand in hand with anti-Semitism.

 

In the often tendentious debates over the Arab-Israeli question many of these so called "anti-Zionists" claim that there is a distinction between opposition to Israel and [[Anti-Semitism]]. In practice, however, outside of a very small minority of Orthodox Jews who oppose Zionism for religious reasons, anti-Zionism almost always goes hand in hand with anti-Semitism.

== See also ==

== See also ==