What does it mean to be a Zionist? Given the wide range of figures in the movement throughout history, it's difficult to agree on a single definition. Jews dreamt of Zion for thousands of years, and in the 19th century they began to move from utopianism to realism, from dreams to politics. Some leaders were pragmatic in their thinking, such as Eliezer Ben Yehuda, while others were far more idealist, such as Theodor Herzl. How did these different visions come together to form a state?

In this episode, Ari discusses this range of perspectives with Rachel Fish. What was Zionism, and what should it be in our own times?

Dr. Rachel Fish is founding Executive Director of the Foundation to Combat Anti-Semitism. Fish was most recently Senior Advisor and Resident Scholar of Jewish/Israel Philanthropy at the Paul E. Singer Foundation in New York City.