These are tumultuous times in Israel. Former Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkott is calling for one million Israelis to take to the streets to safeguard Israel’s democracy. Tel Aviv and other municipalities are vowing vow to oppose anti-LGBTQ lawmaker, Avi Maoz, and his plans for school curricula. Outside of Israel, Abe Foxman, one of the most steadfast and eloquent defenders of Israel for decades, has publicly warned that he would not be able to support a non-democratic Israel.
How much is really shifting? It’s still hard to know. Many of us In Israel are caught in an emotional maelstrom, torn between moments of deep worry and concern, and others moments of hoping that Netanyahu has not lost his mind to the extent some of his adversaries claim.
It’s thus good for our minds and for our souls to make a moment to reflect on the origins and miracles of Zionism. Timing was fortuitous as we sat down with Professor Gil Troy to discuss his latest book, Theodor Herzl’s Zionist Writings. Troy is not only an accomplished scholar of American history, but also a leading expert on Zionism. The publication of Herzl’s collection Zionist writings comes at a critical moment, as does our discussion with Troy.
The link above will take you to a brief excerpt of our conversation. The full discussion along with a transcript is being posted today for paid subscribers to Israel from the Inside.
Impossible Takes Longer, which addresses some of the above themes, will be published this April. It’s available now for pre-order on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
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