Israeli Perspective

Zionism is a nationalist movement that emerged in the late 19th century, advocating for the return of Jews to their ancestral homeland in Palestine and the establishment of a Jewish state.

• Historical Roots: The movement was driven by the persecution of Jews in Europe and the desire to create a safe and independent Jewish state.
• Jerusalem: Central to Zionist aspirations, Jerusalem is viewed as the historic and eternal capital of the Jewish people.
• Immigration Waves: Significant waves of Jewish immigration to Palestine began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often in response to anti-Semitic violence in Europe.

Many Israelis believe in their historical and religious right to the land of Palestine, seeing it as the biblical homeland promised to the Jewish people by God. This belief has been a driving force behind the establishment and expansion of the state of Israel.

• Biblical Promises: The belief that God promised the land to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
• Historical Presence: Archaeological evidence and historical records are cited to support Jewish claims to the land.
• International Support: The Balfour Declaration and subsequent international agreements recognized the right of Jews to establish a homeland in Palestine.