Putting the 'I' in Zionism

Hadassah Convention Daily, Tuesday, July 23, 2002

88th National Convention - Lake Buena Vista, Fl

The "I" in Zionism is imperative whether it's nurtured in Israel or in the Diaspora. That's the theme that emerged from Monday afternoon's "The 'I' in Zionism" Plenary.

"Our Actions today are not only for ourselves but for our grandchildren," said Ellen Hershkin, coordinator, Young Judea Division, who presided over the session. "We have a responsibility to our grandparents and to our grandchildren. If we want a Jewish future in the United States we have to make it happen. If we want a strong, vibrant Jewish State, we have to make it happen. The 'I' in Zionism is a very personal identity. I am a Zionist. Identifying oneself as a Zionist doesn't necessarily reflect one definition.

That thought was repeated often as a panel of speakers addressed their own personal definitions of Zionism and keynote speaker, Professor Gil Troy, presented a broad humanitarian definition.

"For me Zionism is rooted in the Torah and Israel as our home," said Barbara Goldstein, deputy director of the Hadassah Office in Israel. "For me, moving to Israel was the fulfillment of a journey that has taken most of my life. To stand before you as an Israeli is a privilege I had anticipated for 40 years. I wanted to answer to my grandchildren and great grandchildren with affirmative action. It is just a privilege to say that I am not just part of history, but am on the full stage."

"I'm a Zionist because I'm a Jew raised observance, Torah and tradition," said Leah Stern Reicin, chair, Women of Distinction-Israel.

"Being a Zionist to me means a commitment to Israel - to support Israel emotionally and financially, and to strongly identify with Israel," said Deborah Rudt, a Young Women's mission to Israel participant.

"Zionism is not just a dream to build a Jewish State but to build a perfect Jewish State," said Marsha Katz, a Young Judea Year Course participant who recently returned from Israel.

Panel moderator Barbara Spack, Israel and Zionist Affairs, tossed panelists several questions about Zionism in the Diaspora as opposed to active Zionism in Israel. However, participants appeared to agree on the central role of Israel in contemporary Jewish life, even while gently disagreeing on the vital importance of Jewish life outside the State of Israel.

"The 'I' in Zionism seductively entices aliyah," said Reicin.

For me, as a Diaspora Jew, Israel is a focal point and a landmark that forms my identity," said Rudt. "But the work I do here in my own community is for me the vital piece of the Zionism puzzle."

When Troy, a professor at McGill University and author of "Why I am a Zionist: Israel, Jewish Identity and the Challenges of Today" took to the podium, he focused on common factors in the panelists' sense of identities - not the differences.

"We agree on the fundamental s of what is important, of the centrality of the Jewish State," said Troy. "We need to own our Zionism, to refine it for the 21st century. Zionism is a response to alienation, to commercialism, to anti-Semitism. It is when we unite around the Jewish State and the idea of peoplehood. We show different perspectives but mutual respect and admiration."

Zionism, Troy said, is the connectivity of the Jewish people, wherever that might be. "We have a tradition a framework that can help pull us out of the mundane," he said. "Zionism is an answer to our prayers. I am a Zionist because I am an American. I am a Zionist because I am a humanist."

In Closing Hershkin called on delegates to return to their home communities and continue the dialogue. "I urge you, I encourage you, I beg you, to replicate today's panel in your community. You can help preserve a Zionist presence in your community."