Zionism

Zionism is an international political movement, formally founded by journalist Theodor Herzl, with the original goal of establishing a homeland for the Jewish people in what was Palestine. The movement achieved a success in 1948, following the Arab Israeli War, when the sovereign state of Israel was formed. Other forms of Zionism include "Black Zionism," pioneered by Marcus Garvey, which called for a return of African Americans to a new homeland in Africa, and "Christian Zionism," a term recently used to refer to evangelical support for the Zionist movement. Zionism is a very contentious issue that has been called oppressive, a religious taboo, and racist by various critics. Fast Facts:

1. Formally established by Theodor Herzl
2. Formally outlined in Der Judenstaat, published in 1896
3. Called for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine
4. Developed in Europe as a reaction to Antisemitism
5. Considered a success after the 1948 Arab Israeli War
6. World Zionist Organization formed to coordinate Zionist efforts around the world
7. "Black Zionism" founded by Marcus Garvey sought to return African Americans to a new homeland in Africa

Criticism:

1. Arab opposition usually against Jewish occupation of land they consider Palestine
2. Critics blame the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict on Zionism
3. Many disagree with Zionism's emphasis on a two state solution
4. Some critics argue that Zionism is inherently racist
5. Some Jews oppose Zionism on a religious basis