Benjamin Moser's 'Anti-Zionism: A Jewish History' Explores the Roots of Jewish Opposition to Zionism

In his book, Moser profiles twelve Jewish figures who have historically opposed Zionism, which emerged in the late 19th century to advocate for a Jewish homeland in Palestine. He aims to show contemporary Jewish activists that debates about Zionism were once integral to Jewish communal discourse. While approximately 90% of American Jews currently support Israel's existence as a Jewish state, fewer identify as Zionists, with less than 1% being part of the largest American Zionist organization in 1914.

One of the first portraits in the book is of Rabbi Aaron Samuel Tamares, who believed Judaism envisioned a world that transcended nationalism, particularly after the devastation of the First World War. The book concludes with an account of photographer Nan Goldin, who courageously spoke out against the Gaza assault that began in 2023 following the October 7 attacks.

Many figures in Moser's exploration, like himself, once identified as committed Zionists. Ronnie Kasrils, who at age 10 raised funds for Israel in South Africa, later became a key anti-apartheid leader and an outspoken anti-Zionist during his 27 years in exile. Jacob Israël de Haan, a prominent Dutch poet, expressed disillusionment with Zionism after moving to Mandatory Palestine in 1920, ultimately meeting a tragic end in 1924 due to his vocal opposition.

Hannah Arendt's views evolved after her involvement in Youth Aliyah, which helped Jewish refugee children immigrate to Palestine. At the Biltmore Conference in 1942, she noted that the movement's support for a Jewish state could lead to dire consequences for Palestinians, leaving them with the choice of emigration or second-class citizenship. She warned that achieving statehood would not necessarily bring peace or security to Jews in Palestine.

The subjects of Moser's work express profound concern for the plight of Palestinians. Many have faced accusations of antisemitism due to their opposition to Zionism. Felicia Langer, a lawyer who dedicated her career to representing Palestinians after the 1967 Occupation, came to view Israel as irreformable, ultimately emigrating in 1990.

Avi Shlaim, an Arab-Israeli historian born in Iraq, describes his radicalization while researching the 1948 history of Israel, finding that the archival material contradicted the official narratives. He characterized the current situation as bleak, and despite his critiques, he has asserted that Israel does not engage in genocide.

While Moser's work highlights individual stories and does not claim to offer a definitive history, it recognizes the Palestinian experiences that frame these narratives. Some areas lack coverage, such as the Satmar Hasidic movement, which opposes Zionism on theological grounds.

In a reflective moment, Moser examines his grandfather's copy of Theodor Herzl’s Zionist text, finding it both troubling and fantastical. He ponders how his perspective might have changed had he encountered the Palestinian narrative in his youth. 'Anti-Zionism: A Jewish History' is a thought-provoking exploration that emphasizes an alternative Jewish tradition rooted in equality and solidarity.