The Schism of Zionism: A Conversation with Zachary Foster
Historian Zachary Foster joined me to discuss the historical and ideological kinships and tensions within Zionism, anti-Semitism, and Jewish identity. He traces Zionism’s roots to the 16th-century Protestant Reformation, arguing that Christian theological imperatives shaped early Zionist thought long before Jewish political aspirations emerged.
The discussion turns to the moral reckoning within Jewish communities in light of the war in Gaza. Zachary Foster contends that in the American Jewish establishment, Zionism has taken precedence over traditional Jewish ethics, prioritizing state loyalty over universal moral principles. He reflects on how diaspora Jews historically relied on democratic values for their security, now undermined by a political ideology that favors ethno-nationalism. As contradictions within Zionist ideology become more apparent, Foster foresees deepening divisions within Judaism, with non-Zionist communities emerging in response to the militarization of mainstream institutions. He concludes that these internal fractures will shape the future of Jewish identity and political engagement.
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