Zionism in the Diaspora
Michelle Nevada (that can’t be her real name) is angry that commenters on her last article on Israel National News said she has no right to express an opinion on internal Israeli affairs because she doesn’t live in Israel. According to Nevada, Jews can be Zionists no matter where they live and should remain as connected to Israel as possible. This includes having opinions on internal Israeli matters and not just supporting Israel no matter what.
Her main point is this:
Israel is not like the other nations. An Israeli has no other nation but Israel; but all the other Jews in the world have two nations: the nation they live in, and Israel. Israel belongs to me just as much as it belongs to any other Jew in the world, Israeli or not. If those commentators were indeed Zionists, then they would understand this point.
The idea that Jews living outside Israel should not interfere in Israeli business is not a new one. Nevada herself says she has encountered it numerous times in the comment sections of articles she has written. If Israelis want Jews to be connected and involved with Israel, it stands to reason that they cannot put a limit on that involvement. It doesn’t make much sense to expect full support but not allow for criticism, opinions and suggestions as well.
As long as Jews live in the Diaspora, there will be a Diaspora Zionism. Although Diaspora Zionism is difficult to define, it would seem logical that the Jews in the Diaspora should define it, not the Jews in Israel. And if that Zionism includes commenting on what’s happening in Israeli politics or society, shouldn’t Israelis be willing to accept that?
July 3, 2009 at 3:17 am
B”H
You are right, it’s a pseudonym I have been writing under for about eight years now. My editor at A7 told me I needed one when I started writing so strongly–he was worried about my safety in a small rural town.
Thank you for your comments, and for your support. You make a great point–if they want us to be there for them, they have to accept our opinions as well.
I hope you don’t mind if I quote you some time!
Shabbat Shalom!
Michelle
July 5, 2009 at 5:45 am
Thanks for taking the time to reply. Quote me any time!