Neutrality Studies Israel‘s Zionist Self-Destruction | Y. Rabkin, M. Ramos & J. Sachs
Dec 10, 2025
Yakov Rabkin, a historian specializing in Jewish history and Zionism, Manuel Ramos, an anthropologist studying religious movements and regional Zionism, and Jeffrey Sachs, an economist focused on global policy, engage in a thought-provoking discussion. They explore the self-destructive nature of Zionism, its political and religious roots, and its interplay with colonialism. The panel highlights tensions between pacifist Jewish traditions and Zionist state violence, the role of British and American support for Israel, and the implications of a shifting global power dynamic.
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Exclusionary Nationalism In Practice
- Modern Zionism in practice adopted exclusionary ethnic nationalism from Eastern and Central Europe.
- Yakov Rabkin warns that this form of nationalism in Israel justifies ethnic cleansing and even genocide to secure a 'pure' Jewish population.
Imperial Backing Made Israel Viable
- The British and then the American empires were decisive sponsors in creating and sustaining Israel.
- Jeffrey D. Sachs links the Balfour Declaration and U.S. backing to Israel's existence and regional projection.
How Settlements Grew After 1967
- Religious settlers expanded into occupied territories after 1967, often against government wishes and then never left.
- Yakov Rabkin recounts a Hebron example where visitors asked to spend Passover and subsequently remained as settlers.
