The impact of zionism on Jewish radicalism

This study examines the radical movements, origins, ideologies, and actions that have gained legitimacy through religious discourses in Israel. It aims to present the main factors that have influenced the radicalization of the religious Jewish identity which has undergone major transformations in the past three centuries. Firstly, the emergence of the Jewish problem in Europe is examined by studying the processes of emancipation and haskalah, which started centuries ago with the breaking of the spinning wheel of Judaism, together with the modernization theory. Subsequently, the reaction of the Jewish communities to Zionism, which was proposed as a final solution with the driving force of anti-Semitism, is examined with emphasis on the religious Zionist discourse. Ultimately, the radical attitude adopted by the State of Israel, which was established by the unifying power of Zionism, is analyzed, starting from its early years until today. It is seen that the makeshift bond between the secular and religious groups that came together under the roof of Zionism during the establishment phase of the state was broken in time and replaced by hostility; religious discourses followed a separate path, purified from secular values. The role of religion became the subject of discussion in many issues, from the steps taken by the state in domestic and foreign policy to the social order. This situation in time led to the formation of irreconcilable radical religious groups that resort to terrorist acts to have their demands accepted. Knowing the past of people who use religious sources to legitimize acts of violence will bring more understanding to the chauvinist Jewish attitude that is at the root of the growing right in Israel today, and to the impact of Zionism on religious Jewish identity. Keywords: Identity, Israel, Judaism, Radicalism, Zionism