What it is about
U.S. President Joe Biden, a long-time advocate for Israel and self-professed Zionist, has questioned if the term “Zionist” retains any clear meaning today. This discussion comes as the 2024 presidential race progresses, with no major candidate explicitly identifying as a Zionist despite expressing strong support for Israel.
Why it matters
Biden’s open identification as a Zionist and his unwavering support for Israel underscore a significant point: understanding and perception of Zionism are evolving, particularly among political leaders and younger generations. This change reveals complexities in American political discourse, particularly about supporting Israel while navigating critical perspectives on Zionism.
What they’re saying
During an interview with podcaster Speedy Morman, Biden confirmed his Zionist identity while pondering if people today understand “Zionist.” Nine days later, Biden withdrew from the presidential race, an event visibly marked by changing narratives about Zionist identity.
The Biden Campaign
A campaign aide for Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized her strong support for Israel as a secure, democratic homeland for the Jewish people, though she stopped short of labeling Harris as a Zionist.
Trump’s Spokeswoman
Trump’s spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, highlighted Trump’s record strong support for Israel, citing actions like moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and brokered normalization agreements. However, she did not use the term “Zionist” directly.
The Historical Context
Jonathan Sarna from Brandeis University noted that perverting the term “Zionist” is a tactic among Israel’s detractors. Sarna asserts that Biden may be the last president deeply touched by the Holocaust’s history and fully understanding Zionism in its original context.
Modern Implications
Emily Tamkin, an author focused on Jewish issues, highlighted how the term’s meaning has evolved, for some now synonymous with Palestinian displacement, whereas others see it as a multifaceted support for self-determination or current Israeli policies.
The Bottom Line
As dialogue around Zionism shifts and adapts, understanding what it means to be a Zionist today within American politics is fraught with nuances. Biden’s staunch stand echoes an era bound to historical context, illuminating how political and generational shifts are reshaping America’s relationship with the term and its implications for Israel’s support.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.