Is Zionism Working?
Zionism began as a secular national movement in the late 19th century, spearheaded by individuals like Theodor Herzl, who believed that the only way for Jews to survive and normalize their status among the nations was to establish a sovereign state. The movement’s foundational goals were largely political and nationalistic, not religious. But now, over 75 years after the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, it is worth examining—Has Zionism succeeded?
To do this honestly, we must explore the primary objectives of Zionism and see whether they have held up through time.
Goal #1: Create a Safe Haven for Jews
Zionist Goal: After centuries of pogroms and persecution, especially in the wake of the Holocaust, the main Zionist goal was to build a refuge for Jews, a country where they could finally be safe.
Reality in 2025: Despite having one of the strongest armies in the world, the State of Israel remains one of the most dangerous places for Jews to live. Rocket attacks, terror infiltrations, wars, and widespread international hatred and de-legitimization campaigns (like BDS) continue to threaten the country’s security.
The October 7th massacre of 2023, where Hamas terrorists breached the border and murdered over 1,000 men, women, and children, proved that safety cannot be guaranteed by military strength alone. And while antisemitism has risen globally, making Jews feel unsafe in Europe and America as well, Israel has not escaped this fate.
Charedi View: Only Hashem protects us. The idea that we can protect ourselves through nationalism and tanks is a false one. If Hashem wills protection, we are safe even in exile. If He withdraws it, no army will help us.
Sources:
- Devarim 28:1–15 – Safety is a blessing that comes from Hashem, not from borders or might.
- Tehillim 127:1 – "If Hashem does not guard the city, the watchman stays awake in vain."
- Rav Chaim Brisker: “The Zionists believe the land will protect the people. We believe the Torah protects the people.”
Goal #2: Normalize the Jew Among Nations
Zionist Goal: Once we have a state, an army, a flag, and our own culture, the nations will finally accept us. We’ll be just like the French, Italians, or Americans—only Jewish.
Reality in 2025: This dream has backfired. Israel is one of the most vilified nations on earth. The UN has passed more condemnatory resolutions against Israel than against any other country—including nations with active genocides.
Jewish identity is still not accepted in many elite global circles, and antisemitism—cloaked as anti-Zionism—has only increased. Jews are seen as colonialists, oppressors, and racists in many university campuses and media outlets.
Charedi View: We were never meant to be like the other nations. The goal is to be a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Shemos 19:6), not a secular western democracy. Assimilation has always led to disaster.
Sources:
- Shemos 19:6 – "You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."
- Esther 3:8 – "Their laws are different from every other nation’s."
- Rav Elchonon Wasserman, Kovetz Maamarim – “When Jews try to be like everyone else, Hashem reminds us that we are different.”
Goal #3: Replace Torah Identity with National Identity
Zionist Goal: Early Zionists sought to create a “New Jew”—a secular, Hebrew-speaking farmer or soldier who was strong, proud, and modern. In place of Torah and mitzvos, they would be defined by working the land, speaking the language, and building the state.
Reality in 2025: This has led to massive spiritual confusion. Entire generations of Jews in Israel have grown up with no knowledge of Torah, mitzvos, or even the basics of Judaism. Hiloniyut (secularism) became not just common but celebrated in many sectors. This spiritual emptiness has produced one of the most secular Jewish populations in the world, with skyrocketing intermarriage, chilul Shabbos, and disregard for tradition.
The Zionist dream did not elevate the Jew—it tried to erase what made him Jewish.
Charedi View: The Torah is our life. Remove Torah, and there is no Jewish identity left. Only Torah can preserve our people, not nationalism, flags, or anthems.
Sources:
- Devarim 30:20 – "For it is your life and the length of your days."
- Rav Aharon Kotler zt”l – “A state without Torah is not a Jewish state. It is merely a government that happens to include Jews.”
- Chazon Ish, Emunah u’Bitachon – “Every generation that forgets Torah forgets itself.”
Goal #4: Unite the Jewish People
Zionist Goal: With a state of our own, Jews from all backgrounds—religious and secular, Sephardi and Ashkenazi, Holocaust survivors and Arab country refugees—would come together under one banner.
Reality in 2025: Israel is one of the most divided Jewish communities in the world. The fault lines are deep—religious vs. secular, Ashkenazi vs. Sephardi, right vs. left, Zionist vs. Charedi. The elections are bitter, the rhetoric is often full of hate, and the spiritual divide is massive.
Charedi View: True unity is only possible through Torah. Without Torah, “Jewish unity” is a slogan with no soul.
Sources:
- Pirkei Avos 3:2 – “When two sit and words of Torah are between them, the Shechinah dwells among them.”
- Rav Yitzchak Hutner zt”l – “Torah is not one opinion among many. It is the only source of Jewish identity.”
Final Thoughts
Zionism wanted to build a safe, strong, proud, united, and accepted Jewish people through nationalism.
But without Torah, it has built a house without a foundation. It may look impressive—but its cracks are showing.
The Charedi world believes the only true “solution” for the Jewish People is not in movements or isms. It is in the same timeless truth that has always saved us: Torah, mitzvos, teshuvah, and waiting patiently for Mashiach—not creating a redemption with human hands.
Final Source:
- Tehillim 127:1 – "Unless Hashem builds the house, its builders labor in vain."
- Kesubos 111a – The Three Oaths prohibit forcing the end or ascending as a group by force.
- Rav Elazar Menachem Man Shach zt”l – “Zionism has confused a nation with a faith. The result is that they have neither.”