Parallels Between Zionism and the Pursuit of a Free Society
By Boris Reitman
- 7 minutes read - 1339 wordsThroughout history, persecuted groups often sought freedom elsewhere when the hope of change in their home countries proved unrealistic. A notable example is Zionism, which aimed to create a Jewish homeland in the face of pervasive antisemitism. Today, individuals face oppression from collectivist societies and statist governments. The solution lies in creating a new nation — a laissez-faire capitalist state dedicated to protecting individual rights.
Zionism was initially seen as impractical because Palestine was under Ottoman rule, and later, under British administration, which mismanaged the region and allowed conflicts between Arabs and Jews to arise. Many Jews hoped that assimilation into their home countries would resolve antisemitism. However, Zionists believed that Jews needed their own country to ensure their safety, re-establish their national identity, and enable Jews to engage in diverse occupations beyond traditional roles. Antisemitism remains a challenge in 2024, making the need for a Jewish nation-state as crucial as ever. Zionism continues to be key to ensuring safety for the Jewish people.
Similarly, those seeking a society grounded in individual rights and freedom may find that reforming their current countries is not a feasible solution. High taxes, regulations, and restrictions continue to stifle personal and economic liberties, and hopes for change may take too long to materialize. Just as Zionism offered Jews a homeland, a new country dedicated to freedom could be the solution for those today seeking greater liberties.
The term Anthemism represents a vision of a society based on individualism. It is inspired by Ayn Rand’s novellette Anthem in which protagonists escape collectivism to build a new life. Like Zionism for Jews, Anthemism is a rallying cry for those seeking a country of ideal freedom to pursue happiness.
Ironically, the greatest opposition to Zionism came from within the Jewish community. Many Jews initially believed that assimilation could solve the problem of antisemitism, and some even feared that the creation of a separate Jewish state would only intensify persecution in their home countries, as Jews would acquire a new national identity and appear even more foreign. Despite this opposition from Jews themselves (many of whom were prominent in politics and media), Zionism persisted in its efforts and succeeded in establishing a secure homeland for the Jews.
Similarly, many Objectivists do not support the Anthemist program, believing that achieving sovereignty in whatever region would prove impossible. Instead, they focus on promoting Objectivist ideas within their existing nations, believing that influencing the dominant ideas and, eventually, the political landscape is a more achievable goal. However, this approach will take at least a century to gain meaningful traction. There is no need to wait that long. A new country rooted in Objectivist philosophy can be established much sooner.
Zionism was a multifaceted effort. Leaders engaged with political influencers, facilitated Jewish immigration to Palestine, established settlements, and worked the land. The land was harsh and unsuitable for agriculture, and the pioneers persevered through the challenges of transforming it into fertile soil. Chaim Weizmann viewed land cultivation as essential to giving Jewish immigration a national character. Meetings, congresses, and committees united supporters, while fundraising, led by the Jewish Agency, financed these initiatives.
Not all contributors were Zionists—they wanted to help Jews in Palestine but didn’t necessarily support the radical idea of creating a new nation. This precedent demonstrates that support doesn’t always require full endorsement of every aspect. Similarly, many libertarian Network State initiatives raise funds through cryptocurrency, with investors seeking profit without fully endorsing the ambitious goals of the projects they support.
Studying how Zionists overcame immense obstacles to establish Israel offers valuable insights. Works like Theodor Herzl’s The Jewish State, Chaim Weizmann’s memoirs, and Herzl’s personal writings reveal the strategies, practical actions, and dedication that contributed to the success of Zionism. These examples provide a clear path for those today working toward the creation of a free society.
Additional Reading
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Theodor Herzl’s Diaries – Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism, began writing his diaries in 1896 at the age of 36, as he started advocating for a Jewish homeland. He died prematurely at the age of 44 in 1904, after just 8 years. Others, notably Chaim Weizmann, continued the Zionist efforts.
The diaries span between 1500 and 2000 pages, depending edition, but their diary format makes them surprisingly easy to read. Originally written in German and French, were not translated into English until the 1960s. As a result, many intellectuals today remain unfamiliar with Herzl’s approach and the valuable lessons his diaries offer.
Herzl’s diaries, in various formats, are available at the Internet Archive.
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The Jewish State by Theodor Herzl – Herzl’s pamphlet published in 1896 in which he outlines his vision for the Jewish homeland. Chaim Weizmann believed that The Jewish State transformed Zionism from a theoretical idea into a practical political movement, inspiring Jews worldwide and gaining the attention of global leaders to the cause of a Jewish homeland.
By Objectivist standards, Herzl’s political vision falls short of true freedom, as he advocates for state-run industries alongside private enterprises. However, he offers practical solutions for building a nation from the ground up. For example, he proposed a large-scale, rapid immigration plan and the simultaneous purchase of land to prevent a sudden surge in real estate prices.
Read The Jewish State on Amazon Kindle
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Lecture Series on Herzl – This series consists of seven video lectures based on Herzl’s diaries, presented by Dr. Daniel Polisar. Dr. Polisar, an alumnus of Princeton and Harvard, was the first chairman of the National Herzl Council in Israel, where he played a key role in preserving and promoting Theodor Herzl’s legacy.
The video series is available on the Tikvah Fund website. It also offers the option to download the audio in MP3 format for convenient listening.
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Trial and Error: The Autobiography of Chaim Weizmann – written by him in English. This is the man who secured the Balfour Declaration and became the key leader of the Zionist movement after Herzl’s death. He also became the first President of Israel, though this role was largely ceremonial. The Prime Minister at that time was David Ben-Gurion.
Weizmann also made significant contributions to the British war efforts during both World Wars, notably by developing new chemical methods for producing acetone (used for explosives) during World War I and rubber (needed for tires) during World War II.
Additionally, Weizmann played a pivotal role in establishing a university and research institute in Palestine, attracting prominent scholars and ensuring that their work was regarded as comparable to that of leading world universities.
The first book covers Weizmann’s biography from his childhood to the obtaining of the Balfour Declaration, while the second book covers the period until the establishment of Israel.
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Daniel Deronda by George Eliot – a novel by the renowned English author George Eliot, the pen name of Mary Ann Evans. Published in 1876, twenty years before Herzl began his quest (he read it), the book is notable not only for its exploration of complex human emotions and moral dilemmas but also for its early portrayal of Jewish identity and the seeds of Zionism. The novel follows the story of Daniel Deronda, a young man who discovers his Jewish heritage and becomes deeply involved in the idea of creating a Jewish homeland.
While George Eliot herself was not Jewish, she became intrigued by Jewish culture and history through her interactions with a Jewish librarian in London. Eliot’s exploration of Jewish nationalism in Daniel Deronda would later inspire Zionist thinkers, including Theodor Herzl, who saw the novel as a prophetic vision of the need for a Jewish state. Although the novel draws on religious inspiration,
Although Objectivists are atheists, they can still appreciate the novel’s artistic depiction of inspiring individuals to pursue idealistic goals. Anthemists can leverage this approach to motivate Objectivists and others seeking freedom to work toward creating a new state founded on their principles.
Read Daniel Deronda on Amazon Kindle
