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Socialist Review Index (1993–1996) | Socialist Review 183 Contents
From Socialist Review, No. 183, February 1995.
Copyright © Socialist Review.
Copied with thanks from the Socialist Review Archive.
Marked up by Einde O’Callaghan for ETOL.
Israel: Politics, Myths and Identity Crises
Akiva Orr
Pluto Press £10.95
The complexities of Zionism and a secular Jewish identity are reflected in the passions surrounding the debate on Zionism and racism. This collection of essays examines the politics and ideology of Zionism and the state of Israel. In a powerful and at times controversial book, Orr reveals sources and material on Israeli politics previously suppressed by the Israeli political and academic establishment.
He argues that the state of Israel is the creator of the Zionist movement. That does not mean that all Israelis are conscious Zionists. But it does mean that the political, civil and social institutions in Israel are conscious constructs of Zionism. Israeli aspirations and attitudes are therefore shaped by these institutions. Although Orr applauds the work of the anti-Zionist groups within Israel (for example Matzpen of which he is a founder), he admits that the anti-Zionist left in Israel invariably bows to demands from the Israeli establishment.
This book provides the reader with a detailed and lengthy critique of Zionism. Orr traces the history of Zionism, analyses fragmentations within the movement and examines the role of anti-Zionist groups – both secular and religious.
He uncovers the many problems with Zionism and its application in Israel today and links this argument to the whole question of Jewish identity itself. He therefore exposes the growing divide between religious Jews and secular Zionists.
Orr has a passion for the Palestinian people. He followed the course of the Palestinian struggle from the horrors of 1948 up to the inspiring Intifada and the present day situation. He outlines a strong argument for a solution involving one single state for Jews and Arabs, but unfortunately fails to elaborate further on the vital role of the Arab working class.
The final chapter provides a valuable insight into attitudes to the recent ‘peace deal’: ‘The Palestinians are allowed to run their internal affairs, they’re relieving the Israelis of the task of policing them’. The tragic scenes of the massacre in Gaza recently (where 13 Palestinians lost their lives at the hands of the Palestinian police) come to mind.
This is an emotional book. Orr is no stranger to persecution (he escaped from Auschwitz) and, controversially, he devotes a large portion of his book to Zionist collaboration with the Nazis.
He offers an illuminating and unique anti-Zionist perspective. Certainly not a beginners’ book on Israel, but a refreshingly honest attempt at creating debate on this tragic conflict.
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