On 'The Hidden History of Zionism'

"The Hidden History of Zionism" is a book by Ralph Schoenman, first published in 1988. The book presents a critical perspective on Zionism, the nationalist movement that led to the establishment of the state of Israel. Schoenman, a controversial figure and a critic of Israeli policies, argues that Zionism is rooted in colonialism and has been responsible for the displacement and oppression of Palestinians.

Key Themes and Arguments:

Zionism as Colonialism: Schoenman argues that Zionism is not a legitimate national liberation movement but a form of European colonialism. He contends that the leaders of Zionism aligned themselves with imperial powers to establish a Jewish state in Palestine, leading to the displacement of the indigenous Palestinian population.

Displacement of Palestinians: The book details the Nakba ("catastrophe" in Arabic), the term Palestinians use to describe the events of 1948 when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced from their homes during the creation of the state of Israel. Schoenman emphasizes that this was not an accidental outcome but a deliberate policy by Zionist leaders.

Role of Western Powers: Schoenman critiques the role of Western powers, particularly Britain and the United States, in supporting Zionist ambitions. He argues that these powers were motivated by strategic interests in the Middle East, including access to oil and the establishment of a Western-aligned state in the region.

Impact on Jewish Identity: The author also discusses how Zionism has influenced Jewish identity and argues that it has distorted traditional Jewish values. He contends that Zionism has equated Jewish identity with the state of Israel, to the detriment of Jewish communities worldwide.

Criticism of Israeli Policies: Schoenman is critical of Israel's policies towards Palestinians, particularly in relation to the occupation of Palestinian territories and the treatment of Palestinian refugees. He argues that these policies are rooted in the ideological framework of Zionism.

Reception and Criticism:

The book is highly controversial and has been criticized by some for its strong anti-Zionist stance and for what some see as an overly simplistic or one-sided portrayal of complex historical events. Supporters, however, praise it for challenging dominant narratives about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and for highlighting the experiences and perspectives of Palestinians.

"The Hidden History of Zionism" has been influential in some anti-Zionist circles and among those critical of Israeli policies, but it is also considered polemical and has been rejected by many mainstream historians and scholars of the Middle East.

Importance in the Debate:

The book remains a significant, if polarizing, contribution to the debate over Zionism, Israel, and the Palestinian question. It serves as a reference for those who seek to understand the more critical perspectives on the history and impact of Zionism.