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by Yakov Rabkin (Author), Ronnie Kasarils (Foreword by)
What is Zionism, where did it come from, and why does it continue to shape Israeli policy, politics and propaganda? The author dispels common misconceptions about the religious origins of Zionism by tracing them back to Protestantism in 17th century England. When the political ideology finally attracted Jews over two centuries later, it caused a profound rift that persists to this day. On the one hand, a militant minority has used Zionism to fuel colonization, creating the myth of the ' New Hebrew Man' in the process. On the other hand, detractors assert that it is a profound betrayal of Jewish values and beliefs. Meanwhile, evangelical Christian Zionists form the backbone of Israel's global support, seeing in Zionism a fulfillment of scripture. Then there is the Palestinian perspective; a people barely acknowledged and brutally swept to the side
Author Biography
Yakov M. Rabkin has been Professor of History at the University of Montreal since 1973. He has also taught at universities in Australia, France, Israel, Japan, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine and the United States. His areas of expertise are contemporary Jewish history, international relations, and science and technology policies. His books, translated into many languages, include A Threat from Within: A Century of Jewish Opposition to Zionism, and What is Modern Israel? Rabkin is frequently invited to comment on current events in electronic and printed media. Ronnie Kasarils, a South African Jew, devoted his life to fighting apartheid in South Africa where he was a guerilla fighter, comrade of Nelson Mandela and later Minister for Intelligence Services in the ANC Government of Thabo Mbeki.
