Why do non Jewish people refer to all the Jewish People as Zionists?

Question

I thought Zionism went technically out of business, when the State of Israel was formed in 1948. Being Jewish does not mean you need to move to Israel. Being Jewish does not mean you should move to Israel. Being Jewish means you believe in Judaism.

I did not phrase the question exactly as I hoped. My openning should have said "Why do some non-Jewish people...". I had just answered a bunch of questions here on Y/A where the word "Zionists" was used and it seemed to be to appear that is was used in a very negative conotation. I try not to generalize people into categories, and then the fourth time I write a question I do it. I want to appologize to anyone I may have offended by my over generalization. I really wanted to know, what was behind the current rant by some people that the Jewish People were Zionists. It seemed that it was a bad word.

Answer 1

Most people have the tendency to overgeneralize and categorize. It is an attempt to make life simple. Unfortunately it leads to putting other people in boxes. No offense, but even the way your question is phrased is an indicator of this tendency. Not all "non-Jewish" people believe that all Jews are Zionists. I have many friends who are Jewish, and I know that there are many forms of Judaism. To add to the complexity, I also know that many Jewish people are Jewish only in a sense of cultural identification: They no longer adhere to the beliefs or dogmatism. I also question dividing the world into Jewish v. non-Jewish. Sounds like some sadly ignorant people have offended you. Please forgive them, relax, and try not to make the same mistake they have made by lumping all of us "non-Jewish" people into a box. Peace to you.

Answer 2

You are spot on. 'Zionist' has become, sadly a dirty word.

The term 'zionism' simply refers to the belief that the Jewish people have a right, and a need, for their own homeland.

And that's ALL it means.

Zionism does not mean a belief that we are superior, or that we deny the Palestinians their rights too.

People often claim that zionism is 'evil' but they are the very people who don't understand what the term actually means.

There are 22 Islamic countries, and numerous states where a large number of citizens are Muslim.

Israel represents 0.01 per cent of the Middle East - LESS THAN ONE PER CENT!

How can it be unreasonable for we Jews to have that tiny bit of land for our own, given our history?

And to those who also insist that only Jews can live in Israel: please get your facts straight.

Over 20 per cent of Israeli citizens are NOT JEWISH.

Anyone can apply to be an Israeli citizen.

I am a zionist, and am proud to be one. But I also believe that the Palestinians must have their own state also.

These two things are not, contrary to popular belief, mutually exclusive.

Answer 3

Zionism is merely the belief in a Jewish homeland in their ancestral land of Israel. Anyone who knows history knows that the Jews lived in Israel for 1,200 years before they were kicked out by the Romans, and that there never was a country of Palastine. Moreover, 90% of Palastinians were thrown out of Arab countries and the Jews were the only ones nice enough to shelter them in their own land. Those who think Jews want to rule the world have no factual basis, and are driven by the same irrational fear and hatred that led the Nazis to slaughter them en mass, killing 6 million innocent people

Answer 4

I have never heard anyone refer to all Jews as Zionists unless they were on a antisemitic rant. Most people I know don't even use the word Zionists in any context and only one of them gos on antisemitic rants, and she grew up in Nazi Germany. I hope you did not mean to imply that it was common for "non Jewish people refer to all the Jewish People as Zionists", because it is not.

Answer 5

Referring to Jewish people as Zionists is incorrect. Many Jews were Zionists and they wanted the Jewish state to exist again, but many Jews were not Zionists. In fact, there are thousands upon thousands of Jews in Israel who are not Zionists. They are citizens of the state of Israel.

Answer 6

Zionists believe that Jews are ordained by their god Jehovah to take more land than currently constitutes the state of Israel, enslaving, killing or expelling all non Jews (Goyam) and should be governed by a King descended from King David, living their lives according to the Talmud. Most Jews are not so radical.

Answer 7

There is as large a Jewish movement for the world to be governed by Jewish law as there is a Muslim movement to have the world run by Muslim law!!

Henry Kissinger, he's an enormous influence in this movement!

Also seeing that not everyone living in Israel is a Jew your arguement that because Israel exists the Zionist dream is fulfilled is wrong.

Answer 8

Not all non Jewish people do. Some narrow minded people who only think in black and white do. It's like calling all Muslims terrorists, all Christians Fundamentalists, all liberals socialists. It's very one dimensional thinking.

Answer 9

It's difficult to separate politics from religion/socio-ethnicity for many who remain ignorant of the details. It takes hours of time online. Some cannot give the necessary time. The same can be said about many, many important events that don't make it to "convenient" news sources. Consequently, we're left with propaganda, mis-information, and dis-information rather than well-rounded reporting -- and understanding.