Zionism has both secular nationalist roots, as well as religious messianic roots. But neither have any basis in Christianity.

This week I attended a symposium — “Who owns the Holy Land” — sponsored by PIEN (Palestine Israel Ecumenical Network). It was extremely well attended and was an excellent night. If the symposium is still on its way to your city – please attend. However, in answer to questions one of the speakers shocked me by saying, “Zionism is rooted in Christianity”. I completely understand why this was said, given the influence of the American Christian Right, together with its offshoots in most Western countries, including Australia. However, to consequently assume Israel must be defended from a Christian perspective has become one reason why criticism of Israel is weaponised as antisemitism. and censorship of Palestinian voices has become so prevalent in Australian public discourse. I wish to explain.

Let’s deal with the secular (even atheistic), nationalistic roots first. After the catastrophe of the fall of Jerusalem and destruction of the second temple in AD 70, Judaism survived for millennia among the diaspora. We are familiar with the terrible persecutions suffered by Jews over centuries, especially in Europe, culminating in the Holocaust.

Towards the end of the18th century, and into the 19th century, tension arose between those members of the Jewish community who believed their future lay with appropriate integration into Bavarian, French, or whatever culture prevailed in the lands in which they were domiciled and those who strongly opposed such a move. Integration does not mean loss of identity or religion, but it does mean accepting the governing rules and requirements of the state in which you live. Jews, along with most cultures across the globe. are thoroughly integrated into most Western countries, including........

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