Zionist Thinkers
Well known quotes from the major ideologues behind Zionism.
Theodor Herzl
Theodor Herzl (2 May 1860 - 3 July 1904) is widely recognized as the father of Political Zionism, Herzl was an Austro-Hungarian journalist and playwright who became a prominent advocate for the establishment of a Jewish state. His book “Der Judenstaat” (“The Jewish State”) published in 1896, played a key role in the movement.
Anti-Semites are our Friends
“The anti-Semites will become our most dependable friends, the anti-Semitic countries our allies.”
The Complete Diaries of Theodor Herzl
Removal of the Poor (Arabs)
“We shall try to spirit the penniless [Arab] population across the border by procuring employment for it in the transit countries, while denying it any employment in our country … The removal of the poor must be carried out discreetly and circumspectly.”
1895: Theodor Herzl, the founder of Zionism
Colonial Rights over Palestine
“The undertaking will be made great and promising by the granting of colonial rights. This is the tremendous attraction for the outlawed, enfeebled, and unfortunate Jewish people.”
1895: Theodor Herzl, The Complete Diaries Of Theodor Herzl
Ze’ev Jabotinsky
Ze’ev Jabotinsky (October 18, 1880 - August 4, 1940) was an important and influential Zionist leader, Jabotinsky founded the Jewish Self-Defense Organization in response to pogroms in Russia. He also established the Jewish Legion during World War I and was a significant influence on the Zionist terror group Irgun.
Racial Purity
“A preservation of national integrity is impossible except by a preservation of racial purity, and for that purpose we are in need of a territory of our own where our people will constitute the overwhelming majority.”
V. Jabotinsky, “A Letter on Autonomy”, no. 6, June 1904. World Zionist Organization, Organization Department.
Iron Wall
“We cannot give any compensation for Palestine, neither to the Palestinians nor to other Arabs. Therefore, a voluntary agreement is inconceivable. All colonisation, even the most restricted, must continue in defiance of the will of the native population. Therefore, it can continue and develop only under the shield of force which comprises an Iron Wall which the local population can never break through. This is our Arab policy. To formulate it any other way would be hypocrisy.”
The Iron Wall (4 November 1923.).
Zionism is a Colonising Adventure
“[It is the] iron law of every colonising movement, a law which knows of no exceptions, a law which existed in all times and under all circumstances. If you wish to colonise a land in which people are already living, you must provide a garrison on your behalf. Or else - or else, give up your colonisation, for without an armed force which will render physically impossible any attempts to destroy or prevent this colonisation, colonisation is impossible, not “difficult”, not “dangerous” but IMPOSSIBLE! … Zionism is a colonising adventure and therefore it stands or falls by the question of armed force. It is important to build, it is important to speak Hebrew, but, unfortunately, it is even more important to be able to shoot - or else I am through with playing at colonialisation.”
The Iron Wall: Zionist Revisionism from Jabotinsky to Shamir (1984), p. 78.