(This is part two of two articles. Read the first part.)
Under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s political landscape has shifted away from the original ideals of Zionism, which sought a Jewish homeland grounded in justice, peace, and coexistence. Instead, Netanyahu’s hardline policies, including settlement expansion and the ongoing occupation, have alienated many Jews who believe in a two-state solution.
As liberal Jews, we face the challenge of condemning violence from groups like Hamas while also rejecting Netanyahu’s actions that perpetuate conflict. It is crucial to separate Zionism’s true spirit from the divisive politics of Netanyahu’s leadership.
Zionism: from ideology to current reality
Zionism began as a nationalist movement in the late 19th century with a straightforward goal: the establishment of a Jewish homeland in the ancestral land of Israel. It was a response to centuries of Jewish persecution in Europe and the Middle East, as well as the prevailing antisemitism that culminated in horrific tragedies like the Holocaust. At its core, Zionism was about providing a safe refuge for Jews where they could live freely, practise their religion, and thrive in peace.
However, in recent years, the ideals of Zionism have become distorted. Under Netanyahu’s leadership, Zionism has often been equated with hardline nationalism and the expansion of settlements in occupied territories — actions that many see as contributing to the ongoing conflict with Palestinians. This shift has alienated Jews worldwide who believe in a two-state solution and peaceful coexistence. The original Zionist dream was not one of dominance or oppression, but of coexistence, dignity, and mutual respect.
The Torah and Jewish teachings on a homeland
The Torah indeed speaks of the Land of Israel as a divine inheritance for the Jewish people. However, Jewish tradition also emphasises the importance of justice, kindness, and righteousness in the way we treat others. In Leviticus 19:18, we are commanded to “love your neighbour as yourself.” This teaching, along with many others, urges Jews to act with compassion and fairness, even toward those who are different from us.
Moreover, Jewish teachings stress the concept of peace, or shalom, as a central value. The pursuit of peace is not merely a political ideal but a religious obligation. As Jews, we are instructed to “seek peace and pursue it” (Psalms 34:14). While the dream of a Jewish homeland is enshrined in Jewish faith, it is equally important to ensure that such a homeland is one where all people, regardless of their background, can live in dignity and peace.
Weaponising antisemitism: the problem of legitimate criticism and true hatred
In recent years, there has been an unfortunate tendency to weaponise accusations of antisemitism in ways that muddy the waters between legitimate criticism of Israel and genuine hatred of Jews. Criticising the Israeli government, or even its foundational Zionist project, should not be conflated with antisemitism. We routinely criticise the governments of other nations without facing such backlash. Yet when it comes to Israel, any criticism often triggers accusations of antisemitism, which complicates efforts to address real instances of hate.
This dynamic is deeply problematic, not least because it allows actual antisemitism to slip through the cracks while suppressing necessary political debate. There are real and frightening instances of antisemitic violence and rhetoric worldwide, particularly in the wake of the October 2023 conflict. Jews have been targeted in the diaspora for actions taken by the Israeli government. These attacks are unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms. But it is equally crucial to allow space for people to critique Israel without being branded antisemitic, so long as that critique does not traffic in the tropes and lies that have historically fuelled hatred against Jews.
Hamas, Hezbollah, and the cycle of conflict
The ongoing conflict between Israel and groups like Hamas and Hezbollah further complicates the situation. Hamas, founded in 1987 as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, operates primarily in Gaza and defines itself as a resistance movement against Israeli occupation. Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group based in Lebanon, was founded in the 1980s with Iranian support, primarily to fight against Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon. Both groups are considered terrorist organisations by many countries, including Israel, and have been involved in numerous violent clashes with Israel.
Netanyahu has long positioned himself as a security hawk, portraying his leadership as vital to protecting Israel from threats posed by groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. However, many argue that his approach exacerbates the conflict rather than working toward a solution. By perpetuating the cycle of violence, Netanyahu’s political career has often thrived on fear and insecurity, solidifying his base by emphasising the threat from these organisations.
The reality is that the continued hostilities with Hamas and Hezbollah serve as a political tool for Netanyahu. Without the ongoing conflict, his security credentials and political dominance might weaken. Netanyahu has had opportunities to pursue peace, but his hardline stance often benefits his political survival at the expense of genuine reconciliation. As long as the threat of Hamas rockets or Hezbollah’s military presence persists, Netanyahu can argue that only his leadership can keep Israel safe — even if that leadership has, in many ways, prevented peace from becoming a reality.
A call for justice and peace
It is essential for the world to recognise that Netanyahu’s actions do not represent all Jews, nor do they embody the full spectrum of Jewish thought on Israel and its future. As liberal Jews, we seek a just and lasting peace that honours both Jewish and Palestinian aspirations for self-determination and security.
Netanyahu’s politics have deepened divisions and heightened tensions, and they do not reflect the Jewish values of justice, compassion, and peace. Instead of advancing peace, he has exacerbated conflict, causing harm not only to Israelis and Palestinians but also to Jews around the world, who now face rising antisemitic sentiment as a result of his actions.
As Jews, we must continue to stand for justice, for peace, and for the dignity of all people, both in Israel and beyond. In doing so, we honour the true spirit of Zionism and the ethical teachings of our faith, which call us to be a light unto the nations, working for a world where all people can live in harmony and respect.
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