Indigenous Solidarity: The Global Resonance of Zionism among Indigenous Peoples

Zionism, often scrutinized within political debates, encapsulates a universal appeal that extends beyond the confines of Jewish nationalism. This ideology champions a fundamental human right—the right of all indigenous peoples to self-determination. Specifically focused on re-establishing a Jewish homeland in the region historically known as Israel, Zionism weaves a narrative of indigenous struggle and eventual sovereignty that resonates across the globe, including with groups like the Native Americans and the Maori of New Zealand.

Native American Support for Israel: Shared Experiences and Solidarity

Native American tribes have emerged as compelling advocates of this perspective, drawing parallels between their experiences of dispossession and diaspora and those of the Jewish people. Their support is not just theoretical but expressed through active solidarity. Native American leaders, reflecting on their own communities’ resilience and cultural preservation, have voiced their support for Israel, seeing a shared struggle in the historical narratives of both peoples.

The Shared Struggle of Indigenous Women and Men

The solidarity was starkly highlighted following the tragic events of October 7th, where violence against Israeli women ignited outrage. Many ‘so-called’ human rights and feminist groups gaslit, denied, ignored, and maligned the suffering of the Jewish female victims. Figures like Susan Sarandon, noted for her feminist stance of ‘Believe all women,’ face deserved criticism for their selective advocacy. This raises broader issues within advocacy groups, where political biases may influence the universal support for human rights. It is more than just warped morality. To such morally twisted people the ends – Palestinian rights – justifies gaslighting. The ends do not justify the means. It is also outright anti-Semitism.  However, Native American communities, familiar with their own painful histories of violence against women, stand in solidarity with Israeli women, advocating for global recognition and action against the violence that transcends geographic and cultural boundaries. A TikTok video featuring Native American men chanting for the world to acknowledge the terrible suffering endured by the Jewish-Israeli rape victims of October 7th is a tremendous demonstration of the true bond between indigenous peoples who will stand up for the truth.”

https://www.tiktok.com/@freethinknow/video/7364393569651625234?_t=8m26UiPoH7S&_r=1

Zionism’s Broader Implications for Indigenous Movements

The support for Israel from various indigenous groups around the world underscores a significant narrative: Zionism is perceived not only as a Jewish cause but also as a broader fight for indigenous rights and sovereignty. This view positions Zionism as a beacon of indigenous victory, highlighting the power of restored sovereignty and the acknowledgment of historical claims to homeland, pivotal for indigenous peoples worldwide.

Māori Support from New Zealand

In New Zealand, the Māori community has shown varying degrees of support for Israel. Some Māori draw parallels between the Zionist movement and their own aspirations for self-determination, seeing common ground in struggles for sovereignty and cultural revival. This includes efforts to preserve and revitalize both the Hebrew and te reo Māori languages and traditions.

A Unique Historical Achievement

A remarkable aspect of the Jewish return to Israel is the unprecedented nature of their achievement—Jews are the only indigenous people to have returned to their ancestral lands, revived their ancient language, re-formed an indigenous army, and re-established their sovereign state, as they had once before. This profound connection to their land has been maintained through millennia, despite numerous exiles and adversities.

The resonance of Zionism with other indigenous movements is a powerful reminder of the universal human experience in the struggle for land, identity, and cultural preservation. The solidarity among diverse groups facing similar challenges calls for international recognition and support of indigenous rights globally. It invites deeper understanding and cooperation among all who value the principle of self-determination, illustrating the shared values that can unite different communities across various landscapes and histories.