Zionism is in Retreat Within the American Jewish Community

When Zionism first arose in the late 19th century, it was a controversial minority movement within Jewish communities around the world. In 1897, the Central Conference of American Rabbis adopted a resolution disapproving of any attempt to establish a Jewish state. Only with the growth of anti-Semitism in Russia and Eastern Europe, followed by the rise of Nazism and the Holocaust, did Zionism gain strength among Jewish Americans. Now, it is in retreat and promises once again to be a minority view. It is becoming increasingly clear that Israel's behavior contradicts traditional Jewish values. There is no doubt that this reality will soon be reflected in US Middle East policy. Zionism is finally becoming recognized for what it is, an ethno-national movement which is indifferent to Judaism's humane prophetic tradition, a tradition a younger generation is now rediscovering.