Since the outbreak of the Al-Aqsa Intifada, Zionist federations
around the world have acted tirelessly on Israel's behalf,
organizing solidarity marches and sponsoring demonstrations
of empathy for terror victims. Yet, while these activities
are important and make significant contributions, they are
also a cause for concern, since they are expressions of a
"crisis Zionism" outlook.
The concern is that in the absence of crisis, Jewish communities
overseas will turn their backs on those who live in Israel.
The lack of involvement of Diaspora Jewry in Israel in periods
between crises stems from a structural problem: The Zionist
role to be played today by various Diaspora communities is
unclear. Moreover, the very meaning of Zionism today remains
clouded. Principal responsibility for this fact rests mostly
with those of us who live in Israel. We have failed to present
a compelling Zionist vision, one suited to today's world;
and so Zionism is perceived as an idea whose time has passed.
This perception, in turn, stems from a mistaken claim holding
that Zionism's main rationale was to create a sanctuary for
persecuted Jews - this mission, the claim suggests, has been
fulfilled.
Securing a homeland was never Zionism's exclusive goal. Since
its formation, the movement's central ideal has been the creation
of a model society. In contrast to crisis Zionism, positive
Zionism pursues a vision of vibrant Jewish life. That is the
model which we must internalize, and disseminate among Jewish
communities in the Diaspora.
In days ahead, we will have an opportunity to send precisely
this message. Hundreds of Jewish leaders from around the world
will arrive in Jerusalem to take part in sessions held by
the World Zionist Organization, the Jewish Agency and the
United Jewish Communities of North America. After living three
years under the shadow of the intifada, this is our opportunity
to join forces with these Jewish leaders for the promotion
of a positive Zionist program - the fashioning of a society
based on social justice and the constant pursuit of peace.
Today, Zionism means a refusal to accept the painful social
problems that we ourselves have created. It is said that when
Tel Aviv mayor Meir Dizengoff was informed about prostitution
in his city, he evinced satisfaction that the Jews had become
a "normal people." Herzl would not have responded
that way; nor should we. Some two months before his death,
Herzl, the visionary who dreamt of the Jewish state, declared:
"I believe that after we inherit our land, Zionism will
not cease to be an ideal. Zionism entails not only a yearning
to purchase a foothold in the promised land for our tormented
people; it also represents an aspiration to achieve moral,
spiritual goals."
Zionism is not an old, tired ideology; it will continue to
be contemporary, vital and crucial. By setting the creation
of a model society as our goal, we do not ignore Israel's
troubling current reality; instead, by adopting this goal,
we renew our commitment to the Zionist vision.
This is the meaning of Zionism that must be discussed in meetings
of Jewish leaders from all over the world to be held later
this month in Jerusalem. It is no coincidence that the World
Zionist Organization's agenda includes a proposed change in
the "Jerusalem program," which is a declaration
of principles. The proposed revisions hold that the Zionist
movement views as imperative the creation of a model society,
and that Jews in Israel and the Diaspora accept shared responsibility
for their future. By accepting these changes, the WZO will
articulate a new, constructive Zionist vision, one that will
provide a shared agenda for Jews the world over, both for
days of peace and for days of crisis.
Dr. Breakstone heads the World Zionist Organization's Department
for Zionist Activities and is a member of the Jewish Agency
Executive.