In conversation with Rabbi David Wolpe, three panelists under age 40 discuss their encounters with the word Zionism, from college campuses to interfaith spaces – touching on intersectionality, demonization, and building bridges by shifting perceptions.
WATCH ›Is Zionist Now a Bad Word?
Should Zionists talk to BDS supporters? (Hint: Yes.) How and when should Zionists engage in dialogue with critics like Linda Sarsour, who sparked a national conversation about the compatibility of feminism and Zionism? In conversation with Rabbi David Wolpe, our three millennial panelists speak forthrightly about being proudly Zionist in a way that shifts perceptions and creates productive dialogue, and what it's like to be an ambassador for Zionism, instead of just being on the defensive. As Israel has shifted from a fledgling nation to a powerhouse, what it means to be a Zionist is evolving too, especially for younger Israel supporters.
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.
Sign up for email updates about The Branch.
Join our panel as they discuss the following topics:
Zionism: A Bad Word?
What We Need Now: The Art of Engagement
As important conversations unfold nationally around feminism and Zionism, Rabbi Sarah Bassin questions the value of sidelining people like Linda Sarsour, instead of engaging them. Jewish Journal reporter Eitan Arom stresses the proactive role we can play in educating people about Zionism.
WATCH ›
Dialogue: Are Prerequisites Essential?
What happens if we insist that any individual we engage with supports the right of Jewish self-determination in a Jewish homeland? What is gained – or lost -- when we’re talking about Linda Sarsour versus Rasmeah Oded?
WATCH ›
Self-Identification vs. Detachment
Self-identifying as progressive and Zionist is essential, otherwise we will lose the Jewish voice in these movements, the same voices that can keep anti-Israel positions out of progressive platforms. Plus: curiosity is key to combating detachment.
WATCH ›
BDS in Rabbinical School: Now What?
WATCH ›
Our Defining Zionism panelists share tips for confronting BDS supporters in a Jewish context. The purpose of BDS is not to change policies. Not everyone who supports BDS knows that BDS doesn't do anything to advance peace. Try asking questions about what they're okay with and what they're not -- you’re probably going to find places where you agree. Start there.
WATCH ›
Geopolitics: Addressing Complexity
WATCH ›
Talking honestly about the complexity of geopolitics in Israel – from settlements to the Green Line – doesn’t diminish a Zionist position, says Rabbi Bassin.
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
Discussing Zionism: Gil Troy | Completing Our Mission: Exploring Identity Through Zionism
In clips from Hadassah's October 2018 Milestone Mission, Scholar-in-Residence Gil Troy speaks out...
READ MORE ›
Defining Zionism: Neshama Carlebach| Israel and Women’s Empowerment
As a tribute to Hadassah’s 107th anniversary, Neshama Carlebach reflects on her Zionist identity,...
READ MORE ›
Hadassah and the Future of Jerusalem
Join Hadassah National President Ellen Hershkin in Jerusalem for an exclusive interview with...
READ MORE ›
A Zioness Take on Zionism
For civil rights attorney Amanda Berman, co-founder of the Zioness Movement, now is the moment...
READ MORE ›
Defining Zionism: Michael Bassin | Humanizing Zionism in the Arab World
Michael Bassin reflects on his experiences as an American Zionist in the Arab world, experiences...
READ MORE ›
The Future of Zionism: How Today's Decisions Impact the Next Generation
Hadassah's Defining Zionism session on "The Future of Zionism: How Today's Decisions Impact the...
READ MORE ›
Feminism & Zionism: Exploring Recent Tensions
During an exciting moment when the feminism movement is burgeoning, we're seeing increased...
READ MORE ›
A Palestinian Peace Advocate Talks Zionism
In these seven Defining Zionism clips, Bassem Eid - a Jerusalem-based Palestinian peace advocate,...
READ MORE ›
America, Israel and the future of American Zionism
Can politics and Zionism be separated? How can liberal Jews counter anti-Zionist forces? How can...
READ MORE ›
An Exciting, Compelling Challenge: Zionism
What do you see as the biggest shifts and challenges that Zionism has faced or will face? Do you...
READ MORE ›
Different Values, Different Zionist Politics
Dr. Yehuda Kurtzer, president of the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, writes and...
READ MORE ›
Grappling with Israel's Evolving Identity
"Part of the challenge for all of us," says Daniel Gordis, "is to become less wedded to our own...
READ MORE ›
Making Zionism a Model for Everyone
“Zionism is a model for everyone,” says Hen Mazzig, an Israeli writer, international speaker,...
READ MORE ›
Using the Legal System to Counter Israel's Adversaries
Lawyer Brooke Goldstein, founder and executive director of the Lawfare Project, believes that the...
READ MORE ›
Zionism Is Not In Crisis
Two passionate Zionists with deeply divergent views -- Caroline Glick, Deputy Managing Editor of...
READ MORE ›
A Liberal Standpoint
Haaretz Editor-in-Chief Aluf Benn talks about his deeply rooted Zionism, civil rights and why...
READ MORE ›
Zionism for Millennials
Wall Street Journal Tikvah Fellow Chloe Valdary talks about Zionism among millennials, in pop...
READ MORE ›
Israel, Zionism & America today
President of the Shalom Hartman Institute, Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman brings a new and profound...
READ MORE ›
LGBTQ Rights, Israel & Zionism
Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum is spiritual, straight-talking, controversial, inspiring and passionate...
READ MORE ›
A Muslim scholar talks about Zionism & Anti-Semitism
Dr. Mehnaz Afridi, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and Director of the Holocaust,...
READ MORE ›
Zionism enhances Judaism enhances Zionism
Professor Susannah Heschel explore the relationship between Zionism and Judaism for each of us.
READ MORE ›
Do Zionism & Democracy Go Hand in Hand?
Gil Hoffman, chief political correspondent and analyst for The Jerusalem Post in conversation...
READ MORE ›
Progressive Zionism: The Most Important Discussion for the Next Generation of North American Leadership
Nomi Colton-Max discusseses progressive zionism. Inherent in its definition is asking for...
READ MORE ›
The "Z" Word: Why Zionism Makes Some People Uncomfortable
Rabbi Jeff Salkin discusses the most common objections to Zionism, both within the Jewish world...
READ MORE ›
Zionism and Combating BDS
Sara Greenberg speaks about the campaign of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against...
READ MORE ›
Israel on Today's Campus
Eric Fingerhut was appointed president of Hillel in July, 2013 as the organization began its 90th...
READ MORE ›
Why I Call Myself a Zionist and Not Just a Lover or Supporter of Israel
Gil Troy, professor of history at McGill University and a Shalom Hartman Engaging Israel Research...
READ MORE ›
Inspiring Zionism for a Younger Generation
Jasmine Patihi, Program Coordinator at Stand With Us will discuss the current problem with the...
READ MORE ›
Is American Zionism an Oxymoron?
Rabbi Joshua Weinberg is the President of ARZA, the Association of Reform Zionists of America.
READ MORE ›
Re-framing Israel Advocacy
Rabbi Melissa Weintraub addresses why efforts to cultivate sympathy for Israel aren’t heard by...
READ MORE ›
Is Zionism Still Relevant for the Next Generation?
Tova Birnbaum speaks about the Millennial Generation—in the United States and in Israel—has its...
READ MORE ›
Practical Zionism
Sarri Singer is the Founder and Director of Strength to Strength, a nonprofit organization which...
READ MORE ›
Rethinking and Reaffirming Zionism
Arnold M. Eisen, one of the world’s foremost authorities on American Judaism, is the seventh...
READ MORE ›
Israel and the USA: A Mutually Beneficial Relationship
Ambassador Yoram Ettinger - The American Jewish Community is vital to Israel. Explore ways of...
READ MORE ›Show More
© 2024 Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Hadassah, the H logo, and Hadassah the Power of Women Who Do are registered trademarks of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc.
