Introduction to Zionism and Israel: From Ideology to History

Description

This is an exploration of the origins and development of Zionism, illustrating the theory and history of the Zionist movement and the creation of the state of Israel. In recent years, there has been an explosion of interest in Middle Eastern affairs. The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is a constant theme on television and in newspapers. Yet there is considerable misunderstanding about the origins and ideology of the Zionist movement. This volume seeks to address these issues by providing a concise but comprehensive guide to the origins and development of Zionism from its inception in the nineteenth century until the creation of the Jewish state of Israel in 1948. Dan Cohn-Sherbok explores how, in the early stages of Zionism, a number of Jewish thinkers including religious Zionists, spiritual Zionists and secular Zionists formulated various theories about the need for a Jewish homeland. Illustrating the history of the Zionist movement up to the creation of Israel in 1948, the author also provides an extensive explanation of the various forms of anti-Zionism which emerged in the early history of the Zionist movement.

Rabbi Professor Dan Cohn-Sherbok has a Ph.D. in theology from Cambridge University, UK, and an honorary doctorate in divinity from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, USA. He is currently Emeritus Professor of Judaism, University of Wales; Honorary Professor, University of Aberstwyth; Visiting Professor at St Mary's University College; Visiting Professor at York St John University; Visiting Research Fellow at Heythrop College, University of London. He has written numerous books, including The Paradox of Anti-Semitism, Dictionary of Jewish Biography, Atlas of Jewish History, Modern Judaism and Judaism Today.

"A timely and concise exploration of one of the most contentious issues of our time.Cohn-Sherbok provides a history and current mapping of Zionism so important to a rational discussion of a movement that has been glorified and demeaned, often without the broad and intelligent arc necessary for discernment.Introduction to Zionism is an easy to read and methodical guide to Zionism.Let the discussion begin again, informed by this book." -- Marc H. Ellis, University Professor of Jewish Studies and Professor of History, Baylor University , USA "Well-balanced and accurate, this is an excellent guide to the ideology and history of Zionism and the role it has played in modern Israel. It will surely be the standard teaching text on the topic for some time. Cohn-Sherbok demonstrates throughout an enviable objectivity and clarity." -- Oliver Leaman, Zantker Professor of Judaic Studies, University of Kentucky, USA