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Shay Szabo
Israeli-Jew Peace Activist

Stop using the word ‘Zionist’

The continued use of a term tied to the formation of the Jewish state fuels debate about its right to exist, when Israel is here to stay
Two Jewish activists (Shay Szabo and Zach Ross) holding the Israeli flag as a form of Jewish pride.

The title of this article can be confusing because I’m an Israeli and I am no longer a Zionist. This might sound shocking, but allow me to explain why this stance makes sense. Zionism — the historic movement that sought to allow Jews to self-determine in their ancestral homeland, now Israel — has triumphantly fulfilled its goal. 

The creation of the State of Israel in 1948 marked the fulfillment of an indigenous dream that spanned millennia. Today, Israel stands tall as a sovereign nation, the only democracy in the Middle East, and a global leader in innovation.

Given this profound reality, it is time to reconsider the use of the term “Zionism.” Continuing to use the identity of Zionism not only makes it seem that our existence is negotiable but also invites unnecessary debates about our mere right to exist — a right that is unequivocally established.

The Unquestionable Legitimacy of Israel: Israel’s legitimacy is not only unquestionable but, if anything, more robust than that of many other nations. These are just a few of the reasons why: 

  1. Historical Ties: Jews have an unbroken historical connection and continuous presence in the land of Israel that spans thousands of years. This bond is well-documented through archaeological discoveries, religious texts, and historical records. If you question who was on that land first, consider that the Dome of the Rock (a shrine in Islam) was built atop the ruins of the Jewish Temple.
  2. Legal Foundations: The re-birth of Israel was legally supported by the United Nations’ 1947 Partition Plan. This made the creation of a Jewish state a decision recognized and approved by the international community, not just an independent action by Jews.
  3. Defensive Wars: Israel has fought multiple defensive wars to protect its existence. It was often against coalitions of multiple Arab armies and even fought off the British. These wars were primarily waged against the idea of Jews having their own state in the region, as evidenced by the Arab League’s “Three No’s”—no peace with Israel, no recognition of Israel, and no negotiations with Israel. Peace negotiations were never on the table when it came to the Jewish people. Notably, when Jordan and Egypt occupied Gaza and the West Bank from 1948 to 1967, there was not any effort made to establish a “Palestinian” state. This absence of conflict over “Palestine” during those years highlights that the primary issue was the Jews having their own state — which went against the Pan-Arabism colonial movement that sought to unify Arab countries and reject non-Arab states in the region. Despite this, Israel has won each time against illegal acts of aggression. 
  4. Efforts for peace: Importantly, Israel has never initiated a war for territorial gain and has even exchanged land (e.g., Sinai Peninsula and Gaza) in efforts to achieve peace. The Jewish state has accepted every offer of peace meanwhile the opposing sides refused. What more does a country have to do? 
  5. Cultural and Religious Significance: Israel is the epicenter of Jewish culture and religion. It is a place where Jewish traditions, language, and values are celebrated, not hidden. Israel allows us to preserve our peoplehood. The horrors of World War II and the massacres experienced across Arab lands demonstrate the need for a haven where Jews can live free from persecution. Israel ensures that Jews have a secure place to call home…a place where they can live as Jews. 
  6. Democratic Values: Israel is a thriving democracy in a region where democracy is not the norm. It upholds the rule of law, human rights, and freedoms that are the cornerstones of any legitimate state. Israel’s democracy is notably diverse… representing Jews, Muslims, Christians, and even Druze. Arab Israelis and other minorities have served in the Knesset and ministerial positions. This all underscores Israel’s commitment to equal rights and representation for all its citizens.

The Cost of Continued Debate

Persisting on the use of “Zionism” can inadvertently open the door to debates about Israel’s legitimacy. No other nation faces such scrutiny regarding its right to exist. France is not continually questioned about the legitimacy of its revolution, nor is the United States debated over its revolutionary battles with Britain. Hungary, Austria, and parts of what is now Romania have seen significant territorial changes, yet Romania’s status as a legitimate country is never questioned. Germany’s reunification is accepted without question, and India’s independence is celebrated without dispute.

Yet, the only Jewish state in the world is often subject to existential debates fueled by the continued use of a term tied to its formation rather than its current state. This is despite the fact that countries with severe human rights abuses and undemocratic regimes (e.g., Iran, North Korea, China, etc.) are never criticized for their very existence. Instead, criticism is directed at their policies and leaders. This double standard demonstrates an unjust hyperfixation on the only Jewish state in the world.

Embracing a Post-Zionist Identity

Moving beyond Zionism doesn’t mean abandoning the significance of the movement or the values it instilled. Zionism is a fulfilled dream that should be celebrated — and that’s what Israel’s Independence Day is for. Jew haters despise that Israel now stands as a sovereign nation like any other, so we must ensure they do not seize our words to deny our legitimacy.

Hence, it is time to embrace our identity as “Israelis.” This recognizes that all Jews, regardless of whether they completed their legal paperwork, are inherently Israelis not just Zionists. By acknowledging this, we build on the foundation laid by Zionist pioneers without being shackled by outdated terminology. It’s time to move forward.

About the Author
Shay Szabo, a dedicated Juris Doctor candidate, holds a bachelor's degree in Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. As an Israeli-Jew, she is passionate about combating Jew hatred and fostering unity in Arab-Jewish relations. Shay has been advocating for improved Israeli-Palestinian relations from a young age, earning the Princeton Prize for Race Relations Award in 2015. She actively fights against Jew hatred by creating educational content on social media (@judeanceo) and participating in academic panels. Shay's work reflects her deep-seated belief in the power of education and dialogue to bridge divides.
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