Zionism is not modern Israel

To the Editors:

With respect to Professor Volk’s letter regarding ZIONISM = RACISM signs posted around campus, it must be pointed out that he made a big mistake in his letter. “Racism” is a word for racial discrimination and prejudicial acts of people who are IN POWER. One cannot talk about Racism without talking about power relationships. Similarly, we should distinguish between “nationalism” that has achieved STATEHOOD and that which has not. One kind of nationalism is revolutionary, that is, it does not have a state yet. Example: the Kurds. Another kind of nationalism is the desire to favor a particular ethnicity in an already-existing state, when that ethnic group perceives the state to be “for them.” Example: Israel. The difference is that nationalism that is BACKED BY STATE POWER is significantly more dangerous, because the group is in control of the apparatus of the state and can wield extreme violence. The Israeli government and the Palestinians are unequal combatants because the Israeli government’s violent actions are all “LEGAL” while the Palestinian acts of violence are “ILLEGAL.” Therefore, it is highly problematic to compare Jewish demand for a homeland with the other groups mentioned in Mr. Volk’s statement.
As for the signs on campus, ZIONISM should be understood as a long-standing philosophy rooted in Jewish thought, history and tradition, which has only recently become synonymous with support for the modern state of Israel. Mr.Volk was right to make a distinction between Zionism and the policies/practices of the Israeli government. Rather than spouting generalizations and campus propaganda, those responsible for the signs should re-think how they wish to present their argument and seek to engage in real political discourse with various groups on campus.

—Sarah Combellick-Bidney
Students for Free Palestine