What is Zionism, where did it come from, and why does it continue to shape Israeli policy, politics and propaganda? The author dispels common misconceptions about the religious origins of Zionism by tracing them back to Protestantism in 17th century England. When the political ideology finally attracted Jews over two centuries later, it caused a profound rift that persists to this day. On the one hand, a militant minority has used Zionism to fuel colonization, creating the myth of the ‘ New Hebrew Man’ in the process. On the other hand, detractors assert that it is a profound betrayal of Jewish values and beliefs. Meanwhile, evangelical Christian Zionists form the backbone of Israel’ s global support, seeing in Zionism a fulfillment of scripture. Then there is the Palestinian perspective; a people barely acknowledged and brutally swept to the side

Author Yakov Rabkin is a world-renowned authority on Zionism

Unequalled synthesis of the history of Zionism that casts new light on the never-ending crisis in the Middle East.