The
Zionist Century - Concepts - Zionist Congresses
Zionist Congresses
by David Mendelsson
Introduction
Herzl called the first
Congress in 1897 with the aim of demonstrating to the world "what Zionism
is and what it wants." The Congress was also created in order to unite
all Zionists under one movement, a matter that had until then been beyond
the reach of Jewish nationalist sympathizers. From then on, despite
the secession of the Revisionists in 1935 to 1946, Congress served this
function. It was to become the highest authority of the Zionist Organization.
Initially it met annually
(1897-1901), then bi-annually (1903-13, 1921-39) and, following the
end of the Second World War, irregularly. According to the Constitution
of the WZO (1960), Congress should meet once every four years. However,
it may be postponed by the Zionist General Council by reason of special
or extraordinary circumstances. Since the creation of the State of Israel
all Congresses have been held in Jerusalem.
An examination of the
history of the Zionist Congress illuminates the ideological issues that
confronted the movement, in particular the struggle over the realization
of the Jewish national home. Following the creation of the State, Congress
reflects the efforts of the Zionist Organization to find a new role
for itself. In particular, problems of structure, democracy and ideology
dominate its proceedings -- most especially since 1971.
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