The Few The Proud The Olim

By: Jonathan Seidel

The perpetuated zionist cause: The undying wish and preached phenomenon

I watched Unpacked’s video on the origins of zionism dividing it into three periods, Abraham, Hess and Herzl. This division is interesting but if Abraham is part of the chain then so must be Moses and Ezra. The biblical model of returning to Israel is modelled by our forefathers. Each led a group to the promised land. Yet, Moses’ version does not pertain to our situation, well at least for most people. Moses’ version is similar to Nahmanides. Nahmanides was a leader who led his congregants to the land. He who leads a group to the land is truly remarkable but heavily differs from the current climate of Aliyah making. Abraham and Ezra are bookends of a chapter or in a way beginning new chapters. 

Abraham represents the soloist. He who alone hears the call of God and journeys to the land. He leaves his family behind and travels for his own convictions. The lone wolf mentality harbours deep value to the abrahamic quest for salvation. This executed by individuals and families. It is not simply an individual even a group but without a charismatic leader. Abraham is the lion forging ahead on his own. The contemporary Jew, who leaves his home at eighteen serves in the army corps and then attains citizenship is the nomadic calling to a home far away. It is the Jewish quest to the homeland. Digging deep into who you are and pushing forward despite the railing difficulty and the agonising emotional distress awaiting.  

Ezra’s model represents those left behind. Ezra is the Abraham in his story buThe Brazen Fewt what is most emphasised is those who remained abroad. Those who did not return choosing to remain in Babylon. They were happy, with lavish living styles and comfortable salaries. Why would one leave it. Exegetically, it is Greece that symbolises comfort away from Judaism but it is to an extent when Judaism itself it too comfortable abroad. Happy to be Jewish away from the true home. Ezra’s marker is for those who autonomously decided to remain away. Many people wish to stay in their financially stable environments in the diaspora. It is difficult to leave everything to start anew. Even though it is easier to make Aliyah today than twenty years ago, it is still an adjustment and a difficult journey.  

Abraham and Ezra reflect the dialectic facing diaspora jewry. Abraham provides a phenomenological perspective heightening the individual’s journey. Filling him with emotions and determination. Mimicking the actions of Abraham as he conquers all to fulfil his dreams is admirable. Alternatively, Ezra’s generation struggles. Those who come to the land must rebuild while others remain abroad happy. The suffering arising from the Israeli public and especially new immigrants is the foreign language and culture. It is requires a deep commitment to one’s goals. When friends say, “America is better for me but I will visit Israel,” they are failing the test that Ezra’s generation missed. History repeats itself, not identical but a similar situation. People have the opportunity to move but they are too happy with their prominent lifestyles. It is not easy to pick up and move but one has to be an Ezra. Yet, Ezra was a leader, Abraham was an executer. Abraham did not intend to lead, he went his way. He had a dream to fulfil and he followed through. Whoever followed him, would be a part of his mission but it was his mission to complete not others.