One way to see Zionism is a path from self-determination to being authors of our own destiny. David Harris breaks Zionism into three interdependent components: a faith, a people, a land.
WATCH ›An Exciting, Compelling Challenge: Zionism
What do you see as the biggest shifts and challenges that Zionism has faced or will face? Do you see Zionism as an "opportunity of a lifetime"? David Harris, CEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), does. In these six short, easy-to-share clips presented by Hadassah's Defining Zionism in the 21st Century, Harris talks about why he feels so honored and excited to participate in Zionism. Here, he speaks to the interplay between the land, the faith, and the people of Zionism, and what we must do to keep it just as exciting an endeavor for younger generations and those who come after us.
DISCLAIMER: Hadassah is not affiliated with the featured speakers who participate in the Discussing/Defining Zionism series, or with their affiliated organizations. The opinions and viewpoints expressed by the speakers do not necessarily reflect Hadassah’s positions and Hadassah does not endorse or make any representations regarding the speaker or information presented by such speaker.
![](http://my.hadassah.org/assets/images/sub-brands/defining-zionism-sub-brand.png)
Sign up for email updates about The Branch.
Join David Harris as he discusses the following topics:
![At the UN: Dramatic Shifts](https://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-harris-2.png)
From recommending the creation of Israel to rebuking the Jewish state, the UN relationship has taken many paths. Today's issue, according to Harris, is what role the UN should play in trying to advance the peace process.
WATCH ›![The Unique Pull of Israel](https://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-harris-3.png)
I’m enhanced and ennobled by Israel’s very being, says Harris. For many since it’s creation, it’s been far more than destination, it’s a home, a haven, a sactuary.
WATCH ›![Generation Next: Israeli Innovation and Dynamism](https://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-harris-4.png)
Younger generations are more judgmental – ultimately, for new generations, Israel’s appeal will be it’s innovation and history of defying the odds. This spirit can, and will hopefully be, infectious to millennials.
WATCH ›![On Parenting: Zionism Begins at Home](https://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-harris-5.png)
If we want our children to be proud Jews, we need to teach our children that Israel, like collective responsibility, is important to us. We can’t leave this to others to teach our children. “Nothing in my experience can replace the home,” says Harris.
WATCH ›
![Fast Forward: Whose Jewish State?](https://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-harris-6.png)
For Harris, the notion of what the Jewish state is and what Zionism means won’t be resolved. They’re part of ongoing challenge. One that’s very exciting. “Being part of this conversation is the opportunity of a lifetime.”
WATCH ›
Defining Zionism in Easy-to-Watch Segments
The subject of Zionism is too important to rush through. Now you can enjoy Defining Zionism at your convenience.
Speakers are filmed in several short (3 to 5 minute) segments. Each segment is a different topic. This means you can “binge watch” a speaker’s videos all at once, or a couple at a time.
We encourage you to use the comment section to discuss these engaging videos and to let us know how you like the new format.
Comments
Explore the Defining Zionism Archives
![dz-gil-troy-thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-gil-troy-thumb-1.jpg)
In clips from Hadassah's October 2018 Milestone Mission, Scholar-in-Residence Gil Troy speaks out...
READ MORE ›![DZ Neshama Main Thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-neshama-main-thumb.jpg)
As a tribute to Hadassah’s 107th anniversary, Neshama Carlebach reflects on her Zionist identity,...
READ MORE ›![Nir Barkat Thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/nir-barkat-thumb.jpg)
Join Hadassah National President Ellen Hershkin in Jerusalem for an exclusive interview with...
READ MORE ›![DZ Berman Thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-berman-thumb.jpg)
For civil rights attorney Amanda Berman, co-founder of the Zioness Movement, now is the moment...
READ MORE ›![DZ Bassin Thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-bassin-thumb.jpg)
Michael Bassin reflects on his experiences as an American Zionist in the Arab world, experiences...
READ MORE ›![The Future of Zionism-thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/the-future-of-zionism-thumb.jpg)
Hadassah's Defining Zionism session on "The Future of Zionism: How Today's Decisions Impact the...
READ MORE ›![DZ Town Village Thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-town-village-thumb.jpg)
During an exciting moment when the feminism movement is burgeoning, we're seeing increased...
READ MORE ›![Bassem Thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/bassem-thumb.png)
In these seven Defining Zionism clips, Bassem Eid - a Jerusalem-based Palestinian peace advocate,...
READ MORE ›![DZ Park Ave Thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-park-ave-thumb.png)
Can politics and Zionism be separated? How can liberal Jews counter anti-Zionist forces? How can...
READ MORE ›![LA Forum 3](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/la-forum-3.png)
Should Zionists talk to BDS supporters? (Hint: Yes.) How and when should Zionists engage in...
READ MORE ›![Kurtzer Page Thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/kurtzer-page-thumb.jpg)
Dr. Yehuda Kurtzer, president of the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, writes and...
READ MORE ›![Gordis Page Thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/gordis-page-thumb.jpg)
"Part of the challenge for all of us," says Daniel Gordis, "is to become less wedded to our own...
READ MORE ›![DZ Mazzig Page Thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/assets/images/thumbnails/dz-mazzig-page-thumb.jpg)
“Zionism is a model for everyone,” says Hen Mazzig, an Israeli writer, international speaker,...
READ MORE ›![dz goldstein thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-goldstein-thumb.jpg)
Lawyer Brooke Goldstein, founder and executive director of the Lawfare Project, believes that the...
READ MORE ›![DZ Glick Eshman thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-glick-eshman-thumb.jpg)
Two passionate Zionists with deeply divergent views -- Caroline Glick, Deputy Managing Editor of...
READ MORE ›![dz Aluf Benn thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-aluf-benn-thumb.jpg)
Haaretz Editor-in-Chief Aluf Benn talks about his deeply rooted Zionism, civil rights and why...
READ MORE ›![Chloe Valdary | Zionism for millennials](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-valdary-nowords-thumb.jpg)
Wall Street Journal Tikvah Fellow Chloe Valdary talks about Zionism among millennials, in pop...
READ MORE ›![hartman-still-thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/hartman-still-thumb.jpg)
President of the Shalom Hartman Institute, Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman brings a new and profound...
READ MORE ›![kleinbaum thumbnail](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/kleinbaum-thumbnail.jpg)
Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum is spiritual, straight-talking, controversial, inspiring and passionate...
READ MORE ›![Afridi thumbanil](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/afridi-thumbanil.jpg)
Dr. Mehnaz Afridi, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and Director of the Holocaust,...
READ MORE ›![susannah heschel thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/susannah-heschel-thumb.jpg)
Professor Susannah Heschel explore the relationship between Zionism and Judaism for each of us.
READ MORE ›![gil hoffman thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/gil-hoffman-thumb.jpg)
Gil Hoffman, chief political correspondent and analyst for The Jerusalem Post in conversation...
READ MORE ›![dz colton max thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-colton-max-thumb.jpg)
Nomi Colton-Max discusseses progressive zionism. Inherent in its definition is asking for...
READ MORE ›![dz salkin thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-salkin-thumb.jpg)
Rabbi Jeff Salkin discusses the most common objections to Zionism, both within the Jewish world...
READ MORE ›![Sara Greenberg DZ thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/sara-greenberg-dz-thumb.jpg)
Sara Greenberg speaks about the campaign of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against...
READ MORE ›![Eric Fingerhut DZ thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/eric-fingerhut-dz-thumb.jpg)
Eric Fingerhut was appointed president of Hillel in July, 2013 as the organization began its 90th...
READ MORE ›![dz Gil Troy thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-gil-troy-thumb.jpg)
Gil Troy, professor of history at McGill University and a Shalom Hartman Engaging Israel Research...
READ MORE ›![dz patihi thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-patihi-thumb.jpg)
Jasmine Patihi, Program Coordinator at Stand With Us will discuss the current problem with the...
READ MORE ›![dz weinberg thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-weinberg-thumb.jpg)
Rabbi Joshua Weinberg is the President of ARZA, the Association of Reform Zionists of America.
READ MORE ›![dz weintraub thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-weintraub-thumb.jpg)
Rabbi Melissa Weintraub addresses why efforts to cultivate sympathy for Israel aren’t heard by...
READ MORE ›![DZ Tova Birnbaum thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-tova-birnbaum-thumb.jpg)
Tova Birnbaum speaks about the Millennial Generation—in the United States and in Israel—has its...
READ MORE ›![DZ Singer thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-singer-thumb.jpg)
Sarri Singer is the Founder and Director of Strength to Strength, a nonprofit organization which...
READ MORE ›![dz arnold eisen thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-arnold-eisen-thumb.jpg)
Arnold M. Eisen, one of the world’s foremost authorities on American Judaism, is the seventh...
READ MORE ›![dz yoram ettinger thumb](http://my.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/defining-zionism/images/dz-yoram-ettinger-thumb.jpg)
Ambassador Yoram Ettinger - The American Jewish Community is vital to Israel. Explore ways of...
READ MORE ›Show More