Nir Braudo, representative of the WZO Department for Diaspora Activities, addresses the group.

These terms, and many others, were discussed in great detail during a day-long seminar on Zionism organized by the World Zionist Organization/American Zionist Movement. Over sixty leaders in the pro-Israel community gathered to discuss Zionism, participate in discussions and Zionist text study, and to hear from speakers about the various challenges facing the Zionists in America. The group that gathered was diverse with regards characteristics ranging from age to religious affiliation to political beliefs. With all of these differences, the one unifying factor that joined all of these individuals together was the overarching theme of the day: Zionism and Israel.

Zionism as an ideology has different meanings for many people, and can manifest itself in a variety of ways. The lack of one single form of Zionism is nothing new, and stretches back to the development of the movement when various thinkers and visionaries each took the idea of Jewish nationalism and the creation of a Jewish State and developed the various streams of Zionist thought and ideology. This diversity of thought and opinion that marked the beginning of the Zionist movement was mirrored in this gathering of professionals.

Organized by the staff of the American Zionist Movement and the World Zionist Organization, this day of learning and networking included speakers, Zionist text study, programming ideas, and multiple opportunities for the participants to speak with one another. These informal portions of the day allowed for networking and the developing of relationships between members of the Zionist community in the United States who might not normally interact with one another. For many present, it was the first time that they were able to hear such diverse perspectives on what it means to be a Zionist, and many expressed enthusiasm about having the opportunity to have so many different voices present in the discussion.

Headlining the event, in addition to the educational and interactive programming, were presentations given by Professor Gil Troy of McGill University, and Ambassador Ido Aharoni, the Consul General of Israel to New York. Having the opportunity to hear from both of these experts was an invaluable experience, and it provided participants with a better sense of reality in terms of the various challenges facing Israel advocates, as well as the numerous opportunities that there are to promote Israel and Zionism in an effective manner.

The concept of Zionism, how it factors in to ones own identity, what the connection is between an individual and Israel, and how all of this relates to being Jewish and American, is something that many struggle with. Declaring oneself as a Zionist often invites questions, criticism, or even condemnation. Still, over forty individuals of varying circumstances chose to do just that, while acknowledging that Zionism isn’t something that can be clearly defined. Rather, it must be explored and challenged by those who call themselves Zionists. Zionism today is a movement that spans religions, nationalities, age, and political affiliation. This was apparent at the seminar, and is something that the member organizations of the AZM/WZO exemplify by their broad reach. By unifying such groups under the banner of Zionism, we are able to truly demonstrate the diversity of the movement, and the wide span of individuals who support Israel.