ZIONISM
Zionism (return to Zion) was included in the Bible in the 5th century BC (the books of Ezra and Nehemiah). Even before that, the prophets in exile were preoccupied with the idea of returning to Zion. «Next year in Jerusalem,» as well as the oath taken at a wedding under the chuppah («may my right hand wither if I forget you, Jerusalem»). Zionism is the heart of Judaism. Judaism without the idea of returning to Zion loses its reason for existence. Conversion to Christianity or Islam ALWAYS ended with the rejection of Jewishnes as a nationality. Judaism is a national (one might say, nationalistic) religion «only for Jews.» That is why the Judaists do not conduct missionary activity and put obstacles in the way of those who wish to convert to Judaism (the difficulties of giyur, «appropriation» of Jewish nationality only through the mother)……………..But in Israel, all these difficulties hinder the consolidation of the people of Israel. In fact, these are remnants of the Galut. In the Galut, it was important to protect Jewish communities from mixing and assimilation. And in Israel, the control of the ultra-Orthodox over who is considered a Jew contradicts the principle of freedom of conscience, written down in all democratic constitutions. And if non-Jews have the right to become citizens of Israel under the Law of Return, then they should be given the right to choose their own nationality. Well, if they want, then undergo giyur through an easy reformist rite, or as they themselves choose. That would be real Zionism. Our ancient ancestors considered the Gers to be 100% Jews and did not infringe on their rights. Absolutely not.
