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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider What is Zionism? Israeli envoy explains

What is Zionism? Israeli envoy explains

Published Aug 15, 2024 10:56 am

Zionism, along with zionists and zionist beliefs, is only one of the terms that have become popular as the world witnesses the Israeli-Hamas war.

For critics of Israel in its war against Hamas, zionism may imply a support to Jewish ideology and Israel's supposed plan to reclaim Palestine, consequently displacing the Palestinians.

But Israeli Ambassador to Manila Ilan Fluss has another take. He explained in a video posted on social media what Zionism, for him, means.

Zionism, according to Fluss, is "freedom" for the Jewish people.

Zionism, he said, "is simply the belief that the Jewish people have the right to self-determination in peace and security in the historic homeland, Israel."

His definition for such a word came as Israel is fighting Hamas militants, whose leadership threatened to annihilate the Jewish people from Israel.

Israel has waged war against Hamas since the latter's deadly attack on the Jewish state in October 2023. Israel said it will fight Hamas until the very end.

"It's about freedom, it's about identity, and the right to live in a place we called home for thousands of years," Fluss said.

He also has advice for the public: "So next time you hear the word think of it as a movement for peace and equality, and for self determination."

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