Origins of the Zionist Movement

Origins of the Zionist Movement

Introduction

Gelvin's book is a historical account of the 100 years of conflict between Israel and Palestine. For the general readers and the students it aims to provide an understanding in of the origins of the Zionist movement, the rise of nationalism in the two states and all the matters and issues that followed that gave rise to the conflict among the two countries. All the matters surrounding the conflict are dealt with comprehensively and provide the readers an understanding of the matters that underlie in the rise of the conflict. Influences of individuals in the history of this fight are also highlighted in the book for additional insights in the matter. Further, for tracing the origins of the Zionist movement, this book can provide sufficient information along with all the historical facts associated with it.

Discussion

Zionism or the Jewish national movement is a movement that was born in the 19th century. The most common reason of the rise of Zionism is accounted mainly to the rise in anti-Semitism in Europe. The development of the movement needs to be looked at in the context of the age of imperialism in the European society for a better understanding.

The Jewish population was regularly suppressed, mistreated and victimized. They were denied positions in public services and opportunities were limited for them to grow and prosper and live a successful life. Even though they were living in those areas since long but still they were not able to find a significant place for them in the society and assimilate. They were always considered as minority and treated that way. Thus, they lived a life in which they had little access to the life that the natives enjoyed.

French Revolution with its foundations in the belief in equality and liberty was the starting point of the contemporary Jewish history. With these ideals, the Jews were able to win emancipation across Europe. This resulted in getting new civil rights and also giving them an opportunity to join professions that they were denied access to since decades. Emancipation was welcomed by the majority of Jews since they now had a chance to prove themselves in various fields, to progress and prosper in their lives and assimilate in the society they live in. in short, emancipation provided them a chance to become equal members of the society. Although, the impacts of emancipation were seen in the Western Europe, the Jewish population in the Eastern side did not see any influence of it. It was in the Eastern side where the majority of the Jews lived and in those areas they were living in poverty and isolation. They had little opportunities to get employed with no heavy industries in the area they lived in. Further to add to their miseries were the race riots against them by people from the law enforcement. In short, things were still the same for them regardless of the rise in industrial ...